The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) of the Philippines announced on Monday that it has blocked up to 53,000 illegal online cockfighting (e-sabong) websites, aiming to curb the increasingly rampant illegal gambling activities. However, investigations have found that a large number of unregulated cockfighting platforms are still active on the dark web and social media, recruiting players through Facebook groups and private messages, posing significant risks, and one could easily lose all their money.
Henry Aguda, the Secretary of DICT, emphasized at the news conference at the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) in Quezon City: "Illegal websites will be blocked immediately once confirmed, but there are more platforms hidden in the dark, and players must remain vigilant."
According to Executive Order No. 9 of December 2022, all online and remote cockfighting betting is completely prohibited nationwide, including unauthorized live broadcasts. Pagcor, in conjunction with local governments, relevant departments, and private institutions, is responsible for enforcement, while the Ministry of the Interior and the National Police provide support, punishing violators according to the law.
DICT reminds the public not to trust gambling information on social media or join suspicious cockfighting groups, nor to click on unknown links, to avoid severe losses of property and personal information. The official crackdown is just the first step; the threat of illegal gambling on the dark web has not been eradicated, and only by maintaining high vigilance can one avoid falling into risk traps.
