16 Arrested for Illegal Online Cockfighting in Rizal

Sixteen people were arrested during a raid on illegal online cockfighting games in Pililla town, Rizal on Friday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced yesterday. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the suspects were caught by Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) operatives at the town’s cockpit arena in Barangay Hulo. "Upon arrival at the area, cockfighting was ongoing and clearly shown through a big screen," Nartatez told reporters in a message on Viber. The suspects, all men aged 23 to 75, are facing cases for illegal gambling in relation to Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act. Nartatez said two men he identified only as Rona and Jose Alex were able to escape during the raid, identifying them as the operators of the e-sabong games. Police confiscated P15,150 in cash, six fighting cocks, three closed-circuit television cameras and other gambling paraphernalia. This operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal gambling in the Philippines, particularly its online manifestations. Cockfighting, or e-sabong, has been a popular pastime, and its online iteration has seen a rapid expansion in recent years, raising social concerns. The government has been reinforcing its stance against online illegal activities by invoking the Cybercrime Prevention Act.