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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Negros Occidental provincial board member faces raps from e-sabong raid

Negros Occidental provincial board member faces raps from e-sabong raid

Published Jul 23, 2026 11:22 pm
MONTELIBANO
MONTELIBANO
BACOLOD CITY – The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) confirmed on Thursday, July 23, that criminal and administrative complaints were formally filed before the Office of the Ombudsman on Monday, July 20, against Negros Occidental third district Board Member Andrew Montelibano following a recent e-sabong raid.
The complaints stemmed from the joint operation led by the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) against a most wanted person in Barangay Alicante, E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental, which led to the discovery of an alleged illegal online sabong (cockfighting) operation in a five-hectare property on July 8.
Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, PRO-NIR spokesperson, refrained from discussing specific details, evidence, and allegations contained in the complaints, as these are now under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Ombudsman and remain subject to its evaluation.
In a statement, Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, PRO-NIR director, emphasized that the filing and receipt of these complaints are part of the legal process and should not be construed as a determination of guilt.
He added that they respect the independence of the Office of the Ombudsman in the disposition of the complaints, and believes that any further disclosure may unduly affect the proceedings and, as such, will defer to the proper legal process.
Montelibano was tagged by authorities as a person of interest after he was reportedly found in the vicinity of an alleged multi-million illegal online sabong operation.
He denied allegations linking him to the alleged illegal gambling operation, although he acknowledged being a co-owner of the property, which is a fishpond owned by a corporation. He clarified that he has not managed or operated the property for the past 20 years.
Montelibano added that the property had been leased to raise game fowl starting in late December last year. According to him, the lease arrangement resumed this month, although it was done without a formal contract.
He reiterated his support for the police investigation and said he stands with authorities in their efforts to curb illegal gambling activities in the province.
Montelibano has yet to comment on the Ombudsman charges.
Malong said that four persons who were arrested in the property for allegedly engaging in illegal online sabong were released due to insufficient evidence.
She added that the prosecutor is looking for more solid evidence to link them to the illegal gambling activity.
Malong said the complaint filed before the prosecutor has yet to be resolved and it is currently under preliminary investigation.

Related Tags

Negros Occidental Online sabong Ombudsman PRO-NIR Andrew Montelibano
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