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6 nabbed in Pasig anti-online 'sabong' ops

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

October 19, 2022, 1:40 pm

MANILA – Members of the Philippine National Police-Anti Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) arrested six people who were engaged in online "sabong" (cockfighting) in Pasig City.

In a statement on Wednesday, PNP-ACG chief Brig. Gen. Joel Doria said Roger Altiche, Julius Francisco, Monddie Castrono, Rolando Belen, Noe Ronapo, and alleged small town lottery (STL) collector, Manuel Pangos were nabbed by members of the Eastern District Anti-Cybercrime Team (EDACT) on Tuesday afternoon.

Online cockfighting was previously regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) but former President Rodrigo Duterte ordered a stop of its operations in May this year, citing its harmful effects on the people who get addicted to it as well as on their families.

Based on the report of EDACT team leader Maj. Ely Compuesto II, the suspects were arrested after their office received a complaint regarding the illegal activity taking a place at a merchandise store in Barangay Pinagbuhatan.

“After receiving the report, we conducted surveillance and validation to check the veracity of the information. During the police operation, the suspects were caught in the act of betting online using the cellphone of Julius Francisco,” Compuesto said.

The suspects will be facing charges of illegal gambling (PD 1602) in relation to Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175).

“Once again, we would like to remind the public to refrain from engaging in online "sabong". Kailanman, wala pong magandang maidudulot ang sugal sa ating pamumuhay (Gambling will never bring anything good to our lives),” Doria said. (PNA)

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