Last month, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced that they had apprehended 1,245 people suspected of betting or taking bets on illegal online cockfighting, known as e-sabong.
According to the Philippine News Agency, the suspects were identified as the result of a sting operation conducted by regional and national law enforcement from July 2022 through August 15, 2023.
E-sabong was banned by former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte in May 2022. His successor, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., extended the ban after 34 people linked to the activity went missing.
“The extensive crackdown on e-sabong illegal gambling underscores our unwavering commitment to the rule of law,” said PNP Chief General Benjamin Acorda Jr. “The significant number of arrests demonstrates that the PNP remains steadfast in maintaining peace and order in our communities. We will continue to relentlessly pursue those who violate the law, ensuring that justice prevails for the betterment of society.”
Earlier this year, Acorda promised an “intensified crackdown” on illegal gambling, backed up by tougher penalties. According to Inside Asian Gaming, his “one-strike and no-take policy” targets any police officers who fail to prevent and aggressively pursue those who partake in illegal gambling.
So far, the PNA reports, 437 cases have been referred to prosecutors and 808 cases have progressed to the courts. Another 348 suspects had already been apprehended with 123 referred to prosecutors and 225 sent on to prosecution.
