PNP Arrests 170 in Major Tondo E-Sabong Raid, Announces Nationwide Crackdown
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against illegal gambling, arresting 170 individuals during a dramatic raid on an unauthorized 24-hour e-sabong operation inside a coliseum in Tondo, Manila. This operation marks one of the largest single arrests related to online cockfighting in recent months.
Operation Details and Legal Violations
PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. revealed that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) National Capital Region executed the operation on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The targeted facility, while holding a valid permit for traditional physical cockfight betting, was operating without any authorization for online betting activities, directly violating national regulations.
This crackdown comes in the wake of Executive Order 9, issued by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in December 2022, which suspended all e-sabong operations across the Philippines. The executive order explicitly mandates strict enforcement measures against illegal gambling networks, providing the legal backbone for such police actions.
Nationwide Campaign and Police Warning
Following the successful raid, General Nartatez has issued a stern warning and announced an intensified nationwide campaign targeting illegal online cockfighting operations. He emphasized that more e-sabong hubs will be identified and shut down as part of this renewed effort.
"We are intensifying intelligence-driven operations nationwide. This crackdown will continue until these illegal gambling hubs are completely dismantled," Nartatez declared. He described the operation as a critical step in the police force's ongoing push to dismantle organized illegal gambling networks that persist despite the nationwide ban.
Social and Economic Impacts of Illegal E-Sabong
General Nartatez highlighted the broader societal dangers associated with illicit e-sabong operations, labeling them as a significant driver of criminal activity and financial hardship. "Illegal e-sabong is a breeding ground for crime. It leads to financial ruin for families and fuels petty crimes just to sustain betting. It erodes the moral fiber of our communities," he stated.
He further explained that these illegal hubs often involve unregulated gatherings and widespread tax evasion, creating environments where lawlessness can thrive unchecked. The PNP is currently conducting comprehensive nationwide intelligence mapping to identify other illegal networks operating through both physical coliseums and digital online platforms.
Final Warning to Operators
In a direct message to illegal gambling operators, General Nartatez issued an unequivocal warning: "Stop now because we will find you. We will not stop until all illegal gambling operations are dismantled. You cannot hide behind a screen forever." This statement underscores the PNP's commitment to leveraging technological and investigative resources to combat digital gambling crimes.
The Tondo raid serves as a clear demonstration of the Philippine National Police's renewed vigilance and operational capability in enforcing gambling laws and protecting communities from the detrimental effects of unauthorized betting operations.
