Negros Occidental Board Member Faces Charges Over Alleged Illegal E-Cockfighting Operation

BACLOD CITY, Philippines — Criminal and administrative complaints have been filed against Negros Occidental board member Andrew Gerard Montelibano in connection with an alleged illegal online cockfight operation. The Negros Island Region police said the complaints were filed on July 20 before the Office of the Ombudsman by the NIR police special operations group. The charges against Montelibano stemmed from the discovery of the online cockfight operation during a police manhunt for a wanted person in Barangay Alicante in E.B. Magalona. The NIR police stated that the filing of the complaints is part of the legal process and should not be construed as a determination of guilt. Montelibano, who had previously denied any links to the illegal cockfight operation, said he has yet to receive a copy of the complaints. He also stated that he would cooperate with authorities. Cockfighting is a traditional sport in the Philippines, but online betting operations are illegal. Authorities have been cracking down on such activities. This case raises concerns about the potential involvement of public officials in illegal activities.