Manila: E.B. Magalona A provincial board member of Negros Occidental has become a person of interest in an investigation following a significant dismantling of an illegal online cockfighting operation, also known as 'e-sabong,' by the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR). The operation was conducted in E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental, where the alleged illegal activities took place on a property owned by 3rd District Board Member Andrew Montelibano.

According to Philippines News Agency, PRO-NIR Director Brig. Gen. Romano Cardi±o disclosed during a press conference that Montelibano, who was seen at the property in Hacienda Pilar, Barangay Alicante, is being investigated as he was present during the law enforcement operation. Despite his presence, Montelibano was not arrested due to the lack of concrete evidence linking him directly to the illegal activities.

The operation resulted in the arrest of four individuals caught in the act of conducting cockfights. The individuals, identified as alias 'JG,' 40; alias 'FD,' 38; alias 'RL,' 36; and alias 'EC,' 29, are now facing charges for violation of Presidential Decree 1602 in relation to Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. They are currently under the custody of the E.B. Magalona Municipal Police Station.

During the operation, the police recovered 142 live fighting cocks, 106 carcasses of fighting cocks, 156 gaffs, two camera stands, and two television monitors. The operation was initially prompted by a pursuit of a wanted individual with arrest warrants for murder and frustrated murder, who managed to evade capture.

Brig. Gen. Cardi±o emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that no conclusions will be drawn without substantial evidence. He assured that the PRO-NIR will remain impartial and committed to due process, stating that their actions will not be swayed by any individual's position or status.

The local government unit of E.B. Magalona expressed its trust in competent authorities to manage the situation and affirmed its commitment to respecting the investigation's outcome. This incident follows a similar operation almost three months ago in Talisay City, where 30 individuals were arrested in connection to another e-sabong facility.

The dismantling of e-sabong operations aligns with the nationwide suspension ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. through Executive Order No. 9, which prohibits the live streaming and betting on cockfighting activities outside designated arenas.