E-sabong master agent arrested in Pasig, says PNP-ACG

An alleged master agent of online cockfighting operations was arrested in Barangay Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City on Tuesday, the  Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) said Thursday.

The PNP-ACG said the suspect was nabbed after an operative accessed a live e-sabong operation and placed bets through the agent's help.

An informant had reported to the authorities the e-sabong master agent who was allegedly looking for bettors.

The operative met with the suspect who was then facilitating the online registration on the e-sabong platform.

According to the PNP-ACG, the suspect convinced the operative to create an e-sabong account.

Confiscated from the suspect was a smartphone.

The suspect is now under the custody of ACG EDACT in Barangay Caniogan, Pasig City, for documentation and proper disposition, the PNP-ACG said.

Criminal charges for violations of the Prescribing Stiffer Penalties on Illegal Gambling and Cockfighting Law of 1974 in relation to Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 will be filed against the suspect, it added.

“Let this be a warning to all administrators and operators of the online ‘sabong’ who are still bent on finding ways and schemes to continue with their e-sabong operations,” PNP-ACG officer-in-charge Police Brigadier General Bowenn Joey Masauding said.

“We will not falter in our operations and ensure that the law and the President’s lawful directives are implemented,” he added. —Mel Matthew Doctor/NB, GMA News