Negros Occidental Raid Catches 30 in Suspected E-Sabong Site Tied to Atong Ang

Thirty individuals were arrested in a combined crackdown of a suspected criminal online cockfighting business based in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, following allegations that the establishment is reportedly funded by gambling kingpin Atong Ang, who remains on the run. This was reported to have happened early Thursday morning, April 23, in Sitio Catamnan 2, Barangay Concepcion.

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Tip Leads Operation

City Mayor Rowena Lizares said the operation was launched after a tip pointed to an illegal e-sabong activity allegedly backed by Atong Ang and other Chinese nationals. She explained that the move on the suspects came as part of attempts to halt the operation.

According to her, only three of the individuals were residents of the city, one was a minor, and the rest hailed from Luzon. They were detained during a law enforcement operation wherein several law enforcement units participated.

Items Seized

The authorities seized 290 fighting roosters, cockfighting gaffs, and other devices suspected to have been used by the suspects during the illegal acts, including computers, laptop, router, 26 mobile phones, video camera with tripod stands, three Starlink satellite receivers, and other devices used for online gambling and cockfights videos.

According to the investigators, the apprehended suspects were reported to have been in the process of running an illegal e-sabong operation. Based on the information obtained from the authorities, the cockfights were live-streamed via cameras and gadgets to enable remote betting.

Lizares further emphasized the positive implications of recovering more than 200 fighting cocks. She stated that the government was attempting to link the cocks to the burglary in the city. Lizares mentioned that the local government will be more cautious in monitoring any illegal gambling activity, especially those related to the burglary of fighting cocks.

Hidden Facility

The mayor also said the setup inside the facility gave the impression of being in another place, saying that appearances from Vietnam and Thailand could be seen there. Her remarks suggested the site had been arranged to operate out of sight while still serving online betting activity.

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The crackdown was conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group under the banner of the Oplan Bolilyo, along with other participating law enforcement agencies. It was carried out from 1:00 am until 11:30 am. The operation was reportedly aimed at shutting down the operation, as well as confiscating the equipment used for the said purpose.

Charges Filed

All thirty who have been arrested will face charges under Presidential Decree No. 1602 concerning illegal gambling and also under Republic Act No. 10175, known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. The arrestees will be detained by the police for the purpose of documentation and inquest while the appropriate charges are prepared.

Law enforcers stated that they will step up efforts to deal with illegal gambling, particularly through electronic means in order to escape detection. This move is another blow to the ongoing effort to stop e-sabong businesses, which make use of online streaming services and distant wagering services.

Wider Crackdown

The operation in Negros Occidental reflects the growing attention being given to covert gambling hubs operating through digital tools and online streams. As the suspects are now charged and the confiscated items are being investigated, the authorities announced that they will pursue the case following the normal course of action.

On the other hand, for local government units, the police raid was connected to issues on gambling and related offenses. The inquiry is still centered not only on the alleged establishment of an e-sabong site but also on the connection between the business and the confiscated items.

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Source: Brigada