AGUSAN DEL NORTE — Twenty-two individuals were arrested in Tubay, Agusan del Norte following an anti-illegal gambling operation targeting an alleged online e-sabong activity, the National Bureau of Investigation–CARAGA said.

The operation stemmed from information received by NBI-CARAGA about an alleged illegal online “E-sabong” activity scheduled on various dates in April at a cockpit arena in Tubay. Agents conducted surveillance and verification, which later confirmed the report.

Investigators also found that the cockpit arena regularly hosts cockfights every Monday and Tuesday. Online monitoring of the venue’s social media account further supported the information gathered.

Joint operatives from NBI-CARAGA and PNP Regional Intelligence Division 13 then conducted an entrapment operation, leading to the dismantling of the alleged e-sabong hub and the arrest of 22 individuals.

Those arrested included the cockpit operator, supervisor, system provider manager, game master, announcer, sweeper, gaffer, kristo, largador, handler, several bet takers, and two bettors.

Authorities said the suspects were caught in the act of violating Section 5(d) in relation to Section 8 of Presidential Decree No. 449 (Cockfighting Law of 1974) in relation to Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Gambling paraphernalia and betting money were also seized and will be used as evidence in the filing of charges.

The arrested individuals were brought before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office of Agusan del Norte for inquest proceedings. In a resolution dated April 7, 2026, the inquest prosecutor upheld and modified the recommendation of NBI-CARAGA, leading to the filing of an information before the Municipal Trial Court of Tubay.

NBI Director Atty. Melvin A. Matibag commended the operatives for their work and thanked the Philippine National Police for its support in the operation.

He also reiterated the bureau’s commitment to the government’s campaign against illegal gambling activities.