UNDERGROUND ONLINE ‘SABONG’ HUB RAIDED IN BULACAN

BY KEVIN GALANG 

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – Police on Friday raided a  suspected underground online cockfighting hub in Pandi, Bulacan allegedly catering to bettors in Mexico, Vietnam and Cambodia.

In a report to Police Regional Office 3 (PRO 3) director Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez, operatives from the Regional Special Operations Group of the Regional Intelligence Division 3 (RSOG-RID3) led by Lt. Col. Lory Tarrazona, raided the facility in Bgy. Poblacion in Pandi town.

The raid was based on a search warrant issued by Judge Reuben Ritzuko T. Veradio of the Regional Trial Court Branch 104 in Malolos City.

Operatives discovered two separate studios reportedly used for staging and livestreaming cockfights, along with computer systems and electronic equipment believed to facilitate online betting transactions.

Authorities are investigating the operation’s alleged international connections, particularly its reported reach to gamblers in Mexico, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Seized during the raid were desktop computers, monitors, professional video cameras, pan-tilt-zoom cameras, camera controllers, audio mixers, microphones, networking devices, a mobile phone and assorted electronic accessories. 

Also recovered were four live fighting cocks.

Mendez said the operation was in line with the directive of PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. to intensify the campaign against illegal gambling and other criminal activities.

“The use of technology does not exempt anyone from the law. We will continue to intensify our operations against illegal online gambling and hold those responsible accountable,” he said.

The operating teams involved the Regional Intelligence Unit 3, Pandi Municipal Police Station, Bulacan Police Provincial Office, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 3, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group 3, and the Directorate for Intelligence.

Charges for violations of Presidential Decree No. 449 or the Cockfighting Law of 1974, and Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 are set to be filed against 21 individuals, including the 19 suspects arrested during the raid, and the facility’s alleged owner and supervisor, who were not present during the operation.