16 arrested for illegal online cockfighting or e-sabong

Authorities arrested on Tuesday night 16 people allegedly involved in the betting operation and livestreaming online of cockfighting in Bulacan, according to a report on Balitanghali on Wednesday by Victoria Tulad.

Undercover operatives from the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Bulacan found out that people in the country can place bets and watch the cockfighting at the Sta. Maria Cockpit Arena via livestreaming on the Internet.

This is a form of illegal gambling and is a violation of Presidential Decree No. 1602.

During the raid, CIDG operatives confiscated high-tech equipment such as camera, computer, mixer, and tripod being used for the gambling operation.

"Supposed to be, wala dapat makataya nu'ng e-sabong nila kasi offshore 'yan eh. Offshore. Walang makataya na local. So napasok namin 'yung website nila and then kahit na dito sa local, nagpapataya sila," said Police Superintendent April Mark Young, chief of CIDG Bulacan.

Those arrested insisted they have a permit to operate.

The CIDG however said no permit is given for this kind of gambling.

Authorities are still determining who owns the illegal online gambling operation. —KG, GMA News