E-SABONG operations to continue!!
This was the order given by Malacañang until law enforcement agencies are able to conclude its investigation in the mysterious disappearance of 34 cockfight aficionados or sabungeros.
The order was stated in a memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea dated March 8, 2022 for Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo guevarra and Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) Chairperson Andrea Domingo.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police General Dionardo Carlos and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Officer-in-Charge Director Eric Distor were furnished copies of the memorandum.
In the memorandum, the Palace instructs the PNP and the NBI to conduct an even deeper investigation regarding the disappearance of the sabungeros and to submit to the Office of the President the results of their investigation within 30 days after the release of the order.
The PAGCOR is likewise instructed to conduct its own probe to check for any possible violations of the e-sabong licensees under the existing terms of agreement, and to ensure that these firms are able to comply with security and surveillance requirements under the regulatory framework for e-sabong off cockpit betting stations
Particular among these is the installation of CCTV systems in all e-sabong game sites.
However, while investigation are still ongoing, the Palace ordered that the operations of e-sabong shall continue.