PNP admits difficulty in shutting down e-sabong websites

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has acknowledged it would be difficult to shut down all e-sabong or online cockfighting websites and identify those behind the active sites.

According to Emil Sumangil’s report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday, the PNP said at least six e-sabong websites remain active despite the orders of President Rodrigo Duterte to stop the operations.

“As per the information given to us this morning, like I said it will at least take two weeks before ma-take down totally itong mga illegal e-sabong sites,” PNP spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo said.

(As per the information given to us this morning, like I said it will at least take two weeks before these illegal e-sabong sites can be totally taken down.)

“We have to understand na internet based ito. Hindi natin basta pwedeng habulin at bulatlatin ang owner. We have to really coordinate doon sa service provider to find out and established the identity ng mga nag-o-operate,” she added.

(We have to understand that it is internet based. We can't just run after and probe the owner. We have to really coordinate with the service provider to find out and establish the identity of the operators.)

However, the Fajardo assured that authorities have already intensified cyber patrolling not only against the betting station but also against its operators, including police personnel.

Aside from a police officer of the National Capital Region Police Office who has been relieved in connection with e-sabong, Fajardo reported that a personnel of PNP drug enforcement group was also suspended while another is still under litigation.

Eight more policemen, meanwhile, have been charged with administrative cases linked to e-sabong.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier approved the recommendation of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to stop e-sabong.

Duterte’s decision came following a survey conducted by the DILG in cities and provinces regarding e-sabong operations, which has brought ill effects to families and communities.—Mel Matthew Doctor/LDF, GMA News