PANDI, Bulacan — Authorities uncovered a suspected underground online cockfighting operation allegedly catering to bettors in several countries, including Mexico, Vietnam, and Cambodia, following a police raid in Barangay Poblacion, Pandi, Bulacan, on Thursday evening, November 5, 2026.

The operation, which reportedly utilized sophisticated livestreaming equipment and computer systems to broadcast cockfights and facilitate online betting, was discovered during the implementation of Search Warrant No. 154-M-2026 at around 6:30 p.m.

The search warrant was issued by Judge Reuben Ritzuko T. Veradio of the Regional Trial Court Branch 104 in Malolos City, Bulacan.

Police operatives led by the Regional Special Operations Group of the Regional Intelligence Division 3 (RSOG-RID3) discovered two separate studios allegedly used for staging and livestreaming cockfights, along with computer systems and electronic devices believed to be supporting the illegal online gambling operation.

Authorities confiscated desktop computers, monitors, professional video cameras, pan-tilt-zoom cameras, camera controllers, audio mixers, microphones, networking equipment, a mobile phone, and various electronic accessories. Four live fighting cocks were also recovered during the operation.

A total of 19 individuals were arrested during the raid, while charges will also be filed against the facility’s alleged owner and supervisor, who were not present during the operation, bringing the number of respondents to 21.

Police are further investigating the alleged international connections of the operation, particularly its reported reach to online bettors in Mexico, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) Director Police Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez emphasized that the use of modern technology would not shield individuals involved in illegal gambling from prosecution.

“The use of technology does not exempt anyone from the law. We will continue to intensify our operations against illegal online gambling and hold those responsible accountable,” Mendez said.

The operation involved personnel from the Regional Intelligence Unit 3, Pandi Municipal Police Station, Bulacan Police Provincial Office, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 3, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group 3, and the Directorate for Intelligence.

The raid was conducted in connection with alleged violations of Presidential Decree No. 449, or the Cockfighting Law of 1974, in relation to Executive Order No. 9, Series of 2022, and Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. The PRO3 operation forms part of the Philippine National Police’s intensified campaign against illegal gambling and technology-enabled criminal activities in Central Luzon. (Jason de Asis)