TUBAY, Agusan del Norte — Authorities dismantled an illegal online cockfighting operation and arrested 22 individuals in a coordinated law enforcement crackdown led by the National Bureau of Investigation–Caraga Regional Office (NBI-CARAGA), officials confirmed.
The arrests stemmed from violations of Section 5(d) in relation to Section 8 of Presidential Decree No. 449, also known as the Cockfighting Law of 1974, in connection with Republic Act No. 10175.
Intelligence-Driven Operation
According to NBI-CARAGA, the operation was launched after receiving intelligence reports about a scheduled illegal “e-sabong” activity at a cockpit arena in the municipality. The online cockfighting sessions were reportedly conducted on multiple dates throughout April.
Acting swiftly on the information, NBI agents carried out surveillance and validation operations, confirming that the cockpit regularly hosted cockfights every Monday and Tuesday. Further online monitoring of the venue’s social media accounts substantiated claims that the operation extended into illegal online betting platforms.
Entrapment Leads to Mass Arrest
A joint entrapment operation was later conducted by NBI-CARAGA and the Philippine National Police Regional Intelligence Division 13 (PNP-RID 13). The operation resulted in the successful takedown of the illegal e-sabong hub and the arrest of 22 individuals caught in the act.
Those apprehended included key figures in the operation such as the cockpit operator, supervisor, system provider manager, game master, announcer, sweeper, gaffer, “kristo” (bet caller), “largador” (referee), handlers, multiple bet collectors, and two bettors.
Authorities also seized gambling paraphernalia and betting money during the raid. These items are now in custody and will serve as evidence in the filing of criminal charges.
Charges Filed, Case Moves to Court
The suspects were brought before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office of Agusan del Norte for inquest proceedings. In a resolution dated April 7, 2026, the inquest prosecutor upheld and modified the recommendations of NBI-CARAGA, resulting in the filing of formal charges before the Municipal Trial Court in Tubay.
NBI Reaffirms Anti-Illegal Gambling Drive
NBI Director Melvin A. Matibag commended the operatives for their decisive action and professionalism in dismantling the illegal operation. He also expressed gratitude to the PNP for its critical support.
Matibag reiterated the bureau’s firm stance against illegal gambling, particularly those exploiting digital platforms, emphasizing that such activities undermine public order and violate existing laws.
“The NBI remains steadfast in its commitment to intensify efforts against illegal gambling in all its forms, including those conducted online,” he said.
The operation underscores the government’s continuing crackdown on unauthorized e-sabong activities, which have been banned due to their links to criminality and social harm.