The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested 30 individuals in a coordinated operation that dismantled an alleged illegal online cockfighting operation in Barangay Concepcion, Talisay City, Negros Occidental on Friday, April 24, 2026.
The intelligence-driven operation was led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in coordination with regional field offices, targeting what authorities described as an organized group running illegal online sabong activities from a private property.
Two individuals were rescued during the raid, while a minor found on-site has been placed under proper care and protection according to police protocols.
Equipment and Evidence Seized
Authorities recovered extensive equipment used for the illegal gambling operation, including devices for live streaming cockfights to online audiences. Communication equipment and various cockfighting paraphernalia were also confiscated as evidence.
The seized materials indicate the operation was sophisticated and designed to reach participants beyond the immediate location, utilizing technology to broadcast cockfighting matches to remote gamblers.
Police said the private property in Barangay Concepcion had been converted specifically for this illegal enterprise, suggesting the operation had been running for an extended period.
Multiple Charges Filed Against Suspects
The 30 arrested individuals will face charges for violation of Presidential Decree 1602, which prohibits illegal gambling activities, in relation to Republic Act 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Authorities will file these charges through inquest proceedings, allowing for the immediate processing of cases without preliminary investigation due to the suspects being caught in the act.
Separate trafficking in persons complaints will be filed against several identified individuals, including a dismissed police officer and other persons believed to have facilitated or supported the illegal operation.
The involvement of a former law enforcement officer highlights the concerning infiltration of criminal elements within organizations meant to uphold the law.
PNP Chief Emphasizes Zero Tolerance Policy
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the operation demonstrates the organization's unwavering commitment to combating illegal gambling and related criminal activities.
"Hindi natin hinahayaan na magpatuloy ang ganitong mga gawain. Every operation we conduct ensures that the law is enforced and accountability follows," Nartatez stated in his official response to the successful raid.
The police chief emphasized that law enforcement agencies will maintain sustained pressure against illegal networks to prevent their re-establishment and protect communities from criminal exploitation.
"Ang mensahe natin ay malinaw—walang puwang ang ilegal na operasyon. We will persist until these activities are dismantled and those responsible are brought to justice," he added.
Presidential Directive Implementation
The operation aligns with the PNP Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to intensify law enforcement efforts against illegal activities while ensuring due process rights are observed.
This coordinated approach reflects the administration's commitment to addressing organized crime through systematic and legally sound police operations.
The successful raid demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-gathering and inter-agency coordination in targeting criminal enterprises that exploit technology for illegal purposes.
Ongoing Investigation and Follow-up Operations
Police confirmed that follow-up operations are currently underway to identify additional individuals who may have been involved in the illegal cockfighting network.
Investigators are examining the seized communication equipment and financial records to trace connections to other potential illegal gambling sites or participants in the broader network.
The rescued individuals are being interviewed to gather information about the operation's structure and identify any other victims who may require assistance.
Broader Campaign Against Illegal Gambling
This operation represents part of the PNP's sustained campaign against illegal gambling networks throughout the Philippines, operating under the principle of "Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman."
Authorities noted that online cockfighting operations have become increasingly sophisticated, using digital platforms to expand their reach and evade traditional law enforcement detection methods.
The involvement of organized groups in these activities often includes human trafficking elements, as seen in this case where individuals were rescued and a minor was found on the premises.
Community Protection Measures
Law enforcement officials emphasized that such operations not only violate gambling laws but often involve exploitation of vulnerable individuals who may be coerced into participation.
The presence of a minor at the site underscores the broader social harm caused by these illegal enterprises, which frequently operate without regard for child welfare or protection laws.
Police urged community members to report suspicious activities that may indicate illegal gambling operations, particularly those involving unusual equipment installations or irregular visitor patterns at private properties.
The successful dismantling of this operation sends a clear message to other criminal organizations that law enforcement agencies are actively monitoring and prepared to act against illegal gambling enterprises throughout the region.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Philippine National Police