22 indicted over illegal online cockfighting ops in Agusan del Norte

Authorities have filed charges against 22 cockfighting operators and enthusiasts allegedly involved in an illegal online cockfighting or “e-sabong” operation in Tubay, Agusan del Norte.

The respondents were indicted before the Municipal Trial Court of Tubay for violations of Section 5(d) in relation to Section 8 of Presidential Decree No. 449, or the Cockfighting Law of 1974, and Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

According to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Sunday, the suspects were arrested on 6 April during an entrapment operation conducted inside a cockpit arena in Tubay following intelligence reports on scheduled illegal e-sabong activities in the area.

Surveillance and verification efforts confirmed that the venue regularly hosted cockfights every Monday and Tuesday.

Authorities also monitored the cockpit’s social media activity, which allegedly supported reports of ongoing online betting operations.

Joint operatives from the NBI-Caraga and the Philippine National Police Regional Intelligence Division 13 carried out the operation, which led to the dismantling of what authorities described as an illegal e-sabong hub.

Those arrested reportedly included individuals performing various roles in the operation, such as the cockpit operator, supervisor, system provider manager, game master, announcer, sweeper, gaffer, kristo, largador, handler, multiple bet takers, and two bettors.

The suspects were caught in the act while engaging in illegal gambling activities. 

Gambling paraphernalia and cash believed to be proceeds from betting were also seized during the raid.

The arrested individuals were brought before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office of Agusan del Norte for inquest proceedings. 

In a resolution dated 7 April, the inquest prosecutor upheld—with modifications—the NBI-Caraga's recommendation to proceed with the filing of charges.