SURIGAO CITY — A 60-year-old vendor and senior citizen was arrested by police on Tuesday afternoon for violating Presidential Decree 1602, or the anti-illegal gambling law, after he was caught participating in illegal online cockfighting, locally known as “online sabong.”
The arrest was carried out at around 2:35 p.m. at the Boulevard Primemark Market in Barangay Taft, Surigao City. Authorities identified the suspect as a resident of Sitio Bacud, Barangay Luna.
According to the investigating officer, the suspect was caught in the act of watching a cockfight on his mobile phone and placing bets in real time through an online platform. Police recovered a C61 mobile phone allegedly used for the illegal activity and ₱250 in cash believed to be betting money.
The suspect was immediately taken into custody and brought, along with the seized items, to the Surigao City Police Station for proper documentation and disposition.
Police reiterated their warning that online gambling, including online sabong, remains illegal and punishable under the law, stressing that age or livelihood does not exempt anyone from accountability. Authorities also urged the public to report illegal gambling activities to help curb the spread of online betting operations in the city.