MANILA 26 March 2026 (The Capital Post)- Philippine police have dismantled an illegal online cockfighting operation in the capital, arresting 174 people at a coliseum in the Vitas area of Tondo where hundreds of matches were streamed daily.
Officers from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in the National Capital Region conducted the raid late Tuesday after receiving information late last year about the extensive “e‑sabong” gambling activities, which were reportedly hosting up to 500 fights a day.
Authorities said the continuous back‑to‑back fights were streamed online around the clock, even when few spectators were present, and were significantly larger in scale than traditional cockfighting events.
Of those detained, 136 were identified as bettors and released after giving statements, while 28 individuals linked to the operation’s management were held by the Manila Police District to face charges under the country’s anti‑cockfighting, illegal gambling and cybercrime laws.
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Police also seized dozens of computers, cameras, live roosters, betting materials and pot money during the operation, and are seeking a cyber warrant to examine the equipment for evidence of financial transactions and revenue generated from the online betting scheme.
Local officials reportedly claimed to be unaware of the long‑running illegal activity, and investigators said they are collaborating with other agencies to pursue additional suspects and potential cases tied to the ring.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte banned online cockfighting in 2022 due to concerns over its social impacts, but enforcement challenges have allowed such operations to persist, authorities noted.-The Capital Post
