Bulacan Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Online Cockfighting Operation

Authorities in Bulacan have successfully dismantled an illegal online cockfighting operation that was allegedly attracting bettors from countries including Mexico, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The police raid, conducted in the evening on Thursday, targeted a facility in Barangay Poblacion of Pandi, where sophisticated livestreaming technology was used to broadcast cockfights and facilitate international online betting.

The operation was executed by joint police units, including the Regional Special Operations Group of the Regional Intelligence Division 3, armed with a search warrant from Judge Reuben Ritzuko Veradio of the Regional Trial Court Branch 104 in Malolos City, Bulacan. The raid commenced around 6:30 p.m. and led to the arrest of 19 individuals on-site. Unfortunately, the facility's owner and supervisor were not present during the operation but will also face legal consequences.

During the raid, police officers uncovered two studios used for staging cockfights. The raiding team recovered various electronic devices critical to the illegal betting operation, including desktop computers, professional video cameras, audio mixing equipment, and networking devices. Additionally, four live fighting cocks were seized along with miscellaneous electronic accessories that were likely employed in the operation.

Authorities are particularly interested in tracing the international connections of this underground gambling ring, especially its reported links to online betting activities abroad. This operation aligns with ongoing efforts to combat illegal gambling activities in the Philippines, as emphasized by Brigadier General Jess Mendez, Region 3 police director. He reiterated the stance that technological advancements do not exempt offenders from legal repercussions.

General Mendez highlighted that this operation is part of a broader initiative directed by General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police, to intensify the crackdown on illegal gambling operations within the country. Mendez affirmed, "We will continue to intensify our operations against illegal online gambling and hold those responsible accountable."

Legal actions are set to be pursued against the detained individuals and any other implicated parties under Presidential Decree 449, known as the Cockfighting Law of 1974, as well as Executive Order 9 from 2022 and Section 6 of Republic Act 10175, which outlines the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Reporting by Mc Esplanada for Rapport Philippines. This report was prepared from available source material and reviewed for factual consistency. Further verified updates will be added as the newsroom receives them.