PNP eyes e-sabong as illegal gambling
Azurin also said that they have dedicated law enforcement agencies — especially those whose mandate is concerned with information and communications technology — in running after e-sabong operators
The Philippine National Police has issued a recommendation categorize online cockfighting or e-sabong as an illegal gambling activity that can be penalized under Presidential Decree 1602 or the Anti-Illegal Gambling law.
PNP chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. on Monday disclosed that he has consulted with Congress leaders following the recommendation of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group to include e-sabong to illegal gambling activities penalized under Presidential Decree 1602 while sanctioning service providers that will fail to block or take down e-sabong websites.
“It should be noted that e-sabong websites hosted outside the Philippines can only be blocked, not taken down, as these sites can continue to operate via virtual private network,” said Azurin in a statement.
“Honestly, the PNP is having a hard time suppressing e-sabong because it’s more on technology. These people who engage in e-sabong are well-financed, their resources are overwhelming, so I think the government should also start beefing up or strengthening our cyber-capability to include cyber-security,” he added.
The PNP chief also cited that they already have dedicated law enforcement agencies — especially those whose mandate is concerned with information and communications technology — in running after e-sabong operators.
“As a matter of fact, even the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the National Telecommunications Commission have been very visible, very cooperative in helping the PNP so that we can at least catch up or comply with our President’s directive under Executive Order 9 to stop the proliferation of e-sabong,” Azurin said.
Under EO 9, the livestreaming or broadcasting of live cockfights outside cockpits or cockfighting arenas or premises where cockfights are being held will be suspended.
It also suspends online/remote, or off-cockpit wagering/betting on live cockfighting matches and/or activities streamed or broadcast live, regardless of the location of the betting platform.
The operations of traditional cockfights authorized or licensed under existing laws shall not be covered by the suspension.
The order also tasked the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation to coordinate with local government units, other concerned government agencies and private entities on the implementation of the order.
Meanwhile, Azurin revealed that at least 28 people were arrested in Mandaluyong City, Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu and Santiago City, Isabela, after the EO was signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in December last year.
He added that 102 platforms catering to e-sabong have been either blocked or taken down, 76 other platforms were deleted or deactivated while 39 e-sabong websites and a facebook page have been rendered inactive and out of service.
“Representations have been made with theDICT and NTC to take down five active websites that continue to host e-sabong games. The PNP is closely monitoring 272 platforms, comprising 146 websites, 67 Facebook accounts, 31 Facebook groups, 18 Facebook pages and 10 mobile applications used in e-sabong activities,” Azurin said.
In May last year, former President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the suspension of e-sabong operations in the wake of the disappearance of at least 34 e-sabong aficionados in the country who all remain missing to date.
Major operators of e-sabong stopped their operations but a number of small groups and individuals continue to use the online platform for cockfighting betting.
To date, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group has filed cases against at least 15 personalities in connection with the missing e-sabong aficionados.