Solon calls out PNP, NBI on supposed inaction on e-sabong

Senator Erwin Tulfo over the weekend called out the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), citing their inaction after the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) sought their assistance in shutting down operations of online cockfighting or e-sabong.

In a statement, Tulfo cast doubt on claims that law enforcement is unaware of the whereabouts of illegal cockfighting venues, which were declared illegal by the government in 2022.

“With the number of people carrying roosters inside cockfighting arenas and live video streaming happening openly, it is impossible that the police chief or provincial director doesn’t know where these operations are taking place,” the lawmaker said.

“Here’s a tip: one operator runs in Central Luzon while another operates in Region 4-A, but the owner hails from the Cordillera,” he added.

Under Executive Order 9 in 2022, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos jr. cited the urgent need to continue the suspension of all e-sabong operations nationwide, citing the state’s obligation to protect public health and morals, and to promote public safety and the general welfare.

Prior to this, former president Rodrigo Duterte approved the recommendation of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to stop e-sabong, as these were blamed for contributing to the deterioration of moral values among many Filipinos.

“I am confident that the new PNP Chief, Gen. Jose Nartatez Jr., and NBI Officer-in-Charge USec. Jesse Andres will take this fight against illegal gambling seriously because I know them to be good leaders,” Tulfo said.

“If there’s a will, there’s a way. If authorities truly want to shut these operations down, there are ways to do it. But if they have the blessing of police and NBI officials, this problem will become a never-ending cycle,” he added. — Jon Viktor Cabuenas/RF, GMA Integrated News