BACOLOD City — A member of the Negros Occidental Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) is under police investigation after being identified as a person of interest following the discovery of an alleged illegal online sabong operation during a law enforcement operation in E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental on Wednesday, July 8.
The development came after a joint manhunt operation conducted by the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) and the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), which unexpectedly uncovered an alleged illegal online cockfighting operation at Hacienda Pilar in Barangay Alicante.
PRO-NIR Regional Director Brig. Gen. Romano V. Cardiño, during a press conference on Thursday, July 9, confirmed that the provincial board member is being investigated after he was reportedly seen within the vicinity of the property where the alleged illegal online sabong operation was discovered.
However, Cardiño clarified that the board member was not arrested because he was outside the area where the alleged online gambling activity was taking place.
“He is being treated as a person of interest because he was in the vicinity of the property where the operation was uncovered,” Cardiño said.
The police official said investigators are determining whether the public official had any participation in the alleged illegal gambling operation.
Cardiño also disclosed that PRO-NIR is validating reports that the provincial board member allegedly provided inaccurate information to operating teams during the conduct of the operation.
Authorities are likewise investigating the official’s alleged ownership of, or control over, the property where the alleged online sabong operation was found.
“These matters remain part of the ongoing investigation, and any appropriate charges or legal action will depend on the evidence gathered and will be pursued in accordance with due process of law,” Cardiño said.
The discovery stemmed from a police operation targeting a wanted individual who was reportedly hiding inside a farm in Hacienda Pilar.
Acting on intelligence information, joint operating units proceeded to the area to serve a warrant of arrest. While searching the property, authorities allegedly stumbled upon an ongoing illegal online sabong operation, prompting them to immediately enforce the law against those allegedly involved.
The operation was conducted by personnel of the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG), E.B. Magalona Municipal Police Station, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit–NIR, Regional Mobile Force Battalion–NIR, Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit–NIR, and the 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company.
Four individuals identified only by their aliases — “JG,” 40; “FD,” 38; “RL,” 36; and “EC,” 29 — were arrested for allegedly engaging in illegal online sabong betting.
Police said the suspects failed to present permits or legal documents authorizing them to conduct or facilitate online gambling activities.
Authorities also confiscated 142 live fighting cocks, 106 dead fighting cocks, 156 gaffs, two camera stands, and two television monitors believed to have been used in the alleged online sabong operation.
The four suspects are facing charges for violation of Presidential Decree No. 1602, as amended by Republic Act No. 9287 (Illegal Gambling), in relation to Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
They are currently under the custody of the E.B. Magalona Municipal Police Station pending the filing of charges.
Cardiño said investigators are pursuing additional leads to identify other individuals who may have participated in the alleged illegal online sabong operation.
Police are also continuing efforts to locate the wanted person who was the original target of the manhunt.
Authorities are further validating information regarding the ownership and control of the property, as well as the possible involvement of other persons found at the scene.
Cardiño commended the operating units for the successful operation, saying the incident underscored the importance of remaining vigilant during law enforcement activities.
“What began as a manhunt operation resulted in the discovery of another illegal activity that undermines peace and order in our communities,” he said.
PRO-NIR reiterated its commitment to intensifying its campaign against illegal gambling, sustaining aggressive operations against wanted persons, and ensuring that all individuals found violating the law are held accountable through due process.
In a statement, the municipal government of E.B. Magalona said it is leaving the matter to the proper authorities.
“We entrust everything to our competent authorities to handle this matter. Let the investigation take its course. Rest assured that whatever the outcome, we will respect it,” the statement said./PN
