Crackdown on e-sabong intensified

MANILA, Philippines — The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has declared an intensified drive to totally eliminate what is known in local gaming as “online sabong or e-sabong” as part of its broader crackdown on cybercrime platforms. 

CICC’s declaration comes amid renewed public outcry following the viral circulation of a video showing a legislator watching what appears to be an e-sabong match in his mobile phone during the House of Representatives’ opening session. 

The lawmaker, according to media reports with accompanying photos, was allegedly watching live-streamed cockfight matches.

Atty. Renato Paraiso, CICC’s deputy executive director, has confirmed the agency’s mission to totally eradicate the off-grid cockfighting matches, calling them a growing threat to the country’s cybersecurity and social fabric.

“This is not just about gambling. This is about organized cybercrime, financial fraud, and the exploitation of digital loopholes that allow illicit activities to thrive,” Paraiso said.

He added: “We are not merely condemning the act. We are acting decisively to root it out.”

Paraiso, however, was clear in his position — the solution is not a total ban on online gambling platforms. Instead, he advocates for stringent regulation, transparency, and accountability.

“The recent incident in the House proves one important thing — if we push for an outright prohibition, we risk driving even legitimate platforms underground. That would only lead to a prolonged cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and off-grid digital operators,” he emphasized.

“A regulated, transparent system with the strictest rules and clear guardrail is the more effective deterrent."

The viral footage of the lawmaker has sparked widespread criticism, prompting swift action from CICC leadership. Paraiso said the agency views the incident as a stark reminder of how deeply embedded unregulated online gambling has become, even within the country’s halls of power.

“We see this not only as a wake-up call but as a validation of our current strategy. Eradication efforts must focus on syndicates running illegal platforms, while also ensuring that regulated operations are fully compliant with the law,” he added.

On order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the CICC, an agency under the DICT, has ramped up surveillance and digital forensics capabilities to combat evolving cybercrimes, with particular focus on online scams, child sexual exploitation, identity theft, and illicit online gambling.