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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PNP steps up drive vs online sabong anew after Tondo raid

PNP steps up drive vs online sabong anew after Tondo raid

Published Mar 26, 2026 09:05 am
Police secure a coliseum in Tondo, Manila where an 24/7 operation of online sabong is allegedly being held. (photo: CIDG)
Police secure a coliseum in Tondo, Manila where an 24/7 operation of online sabong is allegedly being held. (photo: CIDG)
Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered all police units to intensify the campaign against online sabong hubs as part of the efforts to dismantle all organized illegal gambling networks across the country.
“We are intensifying intelligence-driven operations nationwide. This crackdown will continue until these illegal gambling hubs are completely dismantled,’ said Nartatez.
He issued the statement after operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested 174 people during an operation against an online sabong hub in Tondo, Manila.
CIDG director Maj Gen. Robert AA Morico II said the operation stemmed from intelligence operations on the 24/7 operation of an online sabong in a coliseum in Tondo using the website “sabongvip.net.”
Out of the 174 arrested individuals, 28 are management staff, employees, IT personnel, and tellers, while 136 are bettors.
Aside from those arrested, also seized were 48 desktop computers used as cockpit online betting stations, 24 live roosters, sets of cockfighting gaff (tari); bet tickets and bet money.
The CIDG is preparing a case of violation of Presidential Decree No. 1602 (Illegal Gambling) in relation with Republic Act No. 10175 ( Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012) against the arrested suspects.
The national government, through Executive Order No. 9 ordered the continued suspension of all e-sabong/online sabong aims to protect "public health and morals" and address social issues such as gambling addiction, bankruptcy, and crime associated with the industry.
Nartatez said the operation exposed how illegal betting activities continue to operate behind closed doors.
“Illegal e-sabong is a breeding ground for crime. It leads to financial ruin for families and fuels ‘petty crimes’. This destroys the moral fiber in our community,” said Nartatez.
“Apart from gambling, these hubs often involve unregulated crowds and tax evasion. It creates an environment where lawlessness thrives, affecting even those who are not playing,” he added.
The PNP is currently conducting nationwide intelligence mapping to locate other networks attempting to hide behind physical coliseums or digital screens.
Nartatez also lauded the CIDG-National Capital Region and the Manila Police District for the successful operation as he warned operators of illegal e-sabong operations to stop their activities.

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PNP Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. e-sabong Online sabong CIDG
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