PNP denies cops stole money in Tondo e-sabong raid

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday denied allegations that its personnel took money during a raid on an illegal e-sabong (online cockfighting) operation in Tondo, Manila.

At a press briefing, PNP spokesperson Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño clarified the actions of a police officer seen in CCTV footage during the March 24 operation.

“Ang nasabi po na posisyon na ginawa po ng ating operatiba ay hindi po pangungupit ng pera kundi pagkuha ng ebidensya, partikular ng bet ticket, nang siya ay nakapasok na,” Tuaño said.

(The movement of our operative was not theft of money but the retrieval of a bet ticket as evidence after he had already entered.)

“Nang marekober niya na po ang bet ticket, siya po ay sumenyas sa kanyang mga kasamahan. Ito po ang tinatawag nating pre-arranged signal,” he added.

(After recovering the bet ticket, he signaled his colleagues. This is what we call a pre-arranged signal.)

The PNP stressed that no extortion or unauthorized taking of money took place during the operation.

It added, however, that it remains open to any formal complaint and is willing to conduct a full investigation should evidence be presented.

On March 24, 174 individuals were arrested at the Coliseo De Manila in connection with illegal e-sabong operations.

Seized during the raid were 48 desktop computers used as betting stations, 24 live roosters, sets of cockfighting gaffs, bet tickets, and cash.

All e-sabong operations were declared illegal nationwide due to concerns over crime and social harm linked to online cockfighting.—MCG, GMA News