PNP intensifies drive against illegal e-sabong (Sabong News)
Author
manilabulletin_admin
Date
JUNE 11 2019
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its drive against all form of illegal gambling, including the proliferation of Off Cock Betting Stations (OCBS) or e-sabong.
Acting upon the complaint of Ian O. Dela Cruz of Muntinlupa City, PNP Director for Operation Police Major General Ma.O Aplasca, in his response letter dated May 27, 2019 has directed Regional Director of Police Regional Office 4A, PNP Intelligence Unit and Criminal Investigation and Direction Group ‘to investigate, validate and take appropriate action on the matter’.
The OCBC on the complaint is being run by Manila Cockers Club in partnership with the Manila Jockey Club Off-Track Betting Stations (OTB) in Carmona, Cavite.
On the complaint of Dela Cruz, the e-sabong is clearly in violation of P.D. No. 449 (Cockfighting Law of 1974) which states that cockfighting shall be allowed only in licensed cockpits during Sundays and legal holidays and during fiestas for not more than three days.
It may also be held during provincial, city or municipal, agricultural, commercial or industrial fair, carnival or exposition for a similar period of three days upon resolution of the province, city or municipality.
All legal matters pertaining cockfighting was transferred to the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) from the defunct Philippine Gamefowl Commission (PGC) as part of streamlining the Office of the President in 2009.
An e-sabong bill has already been passed at the House of Representative but is still waiting for the Senate counterpart. In the absence of a law pertaining to a new form of electronic gambling like e-sabong, the PNP will ascribe to P.D. No. 449 or the Cockfighting Law of 1974.
“Rest assured of the PNP’s commitment on matters of mutual concerned,” said Aplasca.
