Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 25) – Seven illegal e-sabong websites have been taken down, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reported on Wednesday.
DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation are now trying to identify the administrators of the websites so that criminal charges can be filed against them.
Earlier this month, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered a stop to online cockfighting operations, saying the ₱640 million it generates a month is not worth the social damage the gambling activity causes.
Meanwhile, the police have also identified 12 other illegally operating e-sabong websites and eight social media platforms. Of the 12 websites, Malaya said only two were registered in the Philippines, while the rest are located in other countries.
The DILG is coordinating with the Department of Information and Communication Technology to have these shut down as well.
“These illegal e-sabong outfits are operating without licenses or franchises from the national or local governments and are not remitting a single peso in revenue to the state,” Malaya said.
According to the official, authorities have also discovered several Facebook pages and groups promoting e-sabong by giving interested users a link to a website where even minors can create an account. He said they have already requested Meta, the parent company of Facebook, to immediately delete or suspend these pages.
Since the mobile wallet app GCash is among those used as modes of payment, Malaya added they will likewise ask the assistance of Globe Telecoms to prevent the use of its platform for illegal purposes.
The DILG also urged those with information on the illicit operations to coordinate with police and warned the public against involvement in e-sabong.
“Dahil illegal po ito, hindi niyo po alam kung saan napupunta ang inyong pera or kung may dayaan [Because it is illegal, you wouldn’t know where your money goes or if there is cheating],” Malaya said.
