MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has stood its ground regarding a recent crackdown on illegal online cockfighting (e-sabong) in Tondo, dismissing allegations of procedural anomalies as “harassment.” During a press briefing at Camp Crame on Monday, April 27, 2026, officials defended the actions of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) during the March 24 operation at the Coliseo de Manila.
The controversy follows an administrative complaint filed by the coliseum’s legal counsel, alleging that police officers pilfered cash and livestock during the raid.
The operation in question took place on March 24, 2026, targeting what the CIDG described as a 24-hour illegal e-sabong hub.
- The Arrests: More than 170 individuals were apprehended, including 28 alleged operators and 136 bettors.
- The Complaint: Lawyer Carl Jon Mucho, representing Coliseo de Manila, filed a complaint with the National Police Commission (Napolcom) against CIDG-NCR chief Col. John Guiagui and nine other officers.
- Missing Assets: Mucho alleges that P40,000 in cash and 22 gamefowl went missing following the police entry.
A central point of the controversy involves security footage shared by the coliseum’s legal team.
- The Claim: Mucho asserts the video shows a CIDG operative pocketing money.
- The PNP’s Rebuttal: PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño clarified that the operative was not taking cash but was recovering a “bet ticket” as evidence. According to Tuaño, the retrieval of the ticket was the “pre-arranged signal” for the rest of the team to begin the bust.
“This is a legal operation and abides by the proper processes. If there are any misgivings, we are ready to answer them at the proper forum,” Tuaño stated.
The crackdown comes as part of the government’s continued enforcement of the total ban on e-sabong.
- National Policy: Online cockfighting was officially banned in May 2022 due to its perceived social costs and links to crime.
- PNP Warning: The police warned that they are prepared to file counter-cases regarding “malicious insinuations” against their personnel, characterizing the allegations as an attempt to derail the prosecution of the arrested operators.
The Napolcom is expected to review the administrative complaint to determine if there is sufficient evidence of misconduct. Meanwhile, the criminal cases against the 164 individuals arrested in Tondo are proceeding. The PNP reiterated that they have yet to receive a formal copy of the complaint but remain confident in the integrity of the CIDG’s evidence-gathering process.