PNP aims to close more e-sabong hubs

​THE Philippine National Police (PNP) said Thursday that it intends to close more “e-sabong” hubs across the country following a major operation against illegal cockfighting in Tondo, Manila. ​PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. called for an intensified crackdown against illegal online cockfighting, noting the operation in a coliseum in Tondo was part of a sustained nationwide campaign targeting organized illegal gambling networks. ​“We are intensifying intelligence-driven operations nationwide. This crackdown will continue until these illegal gambling hubs are completely dismantled,” Nartatez said in a statement. ​Authorities on Tuesday night raided an alleged 24-hour e-sabong operation at Vista Coliseum in Tondo, resulting in the arrest of more than 170 individuals. ​Nartatez said the operation exposed how illegal betting activities continue to operate behind closed doors despite a nationwide ban. ​President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order 9 in December 2022, reaffirming the nationwide suspension of e-sabong operations and ordering stricter enforcement against illegal activities. ​“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 of our community,” Nartatez said. ​“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 e-sabong networks attempting to hide behind physical coliseums or digital screens. ​Nartatez lauded the CIDG-National Capital Region and the Manila Police District for the successful operation and warned operators of illegal e-sabong operations to stop their activities.

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