P2.7 million bet money seized: NBI-7 arrests 39 in e-sabong raid (Latest Sabong News)
Author
Romeo D. Marantal
Date
SEPTEMBER 21 2022
CEBU, Philippines — At least 39 suspects were arrested during a raid at a cockpit in Barangay Calajoan, Minglanilla, Cebu where an alleged e-sabong operation was carried out.
The arrest came after the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-7 implemented a search warrant issued by Judge Grace Veloso of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) at Amenic N’ Calajoanon cockpit on September 16, 2022.
The cockfight was reportedly streamed on the website goperya.net.
Among the 39 arrested were the two alleged operators of the business that the NBI identified as Carlos Uy Gothong lll a.ka. “Junjun Gothong” and Sergio Lu a.k.a. “Sergio Ong, Dongdong Ong.”
The rest were alleged workers in the operation.
The NBI confiscated gadgets and computer sets worth P2 million and bet money worth P2.7 million.
The individuals arrested are facing charges for violation of Section 1 of Presidential Decree 1602 in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and Presidential Decree 499 or the Cockfighting Law of 1974.
Shortly before the May 2022 elections, former President Rodrido Duterte ordered an end to e-sabong operations as recommended by then Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, citing social cost to Filipinos.
The social impact, at least at that point, was reportedly “worrying.”
Senators also called for a stop of e-sabong after disappearances of some people involved in the business.
Malacañang then ordered an investigation into the disappearances.—
