Iloilo police to check on cockpits’ security protocol

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) will check cockpits that are licensed to operate online sabong or e-sabong if they have ample security measures in place.

Colonel Adrian Acollador, Iloilo police chief, particularly warned chiefs of police and force commanders to check if these cockpits have functional closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

Acollador’s order came on the heels of the filing of Senate Resolution 996 urging the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to suspend the operation of online cockfighting establishment until the cases of the disappearance of 31 cockfighting aficionados are resolved.

Acollador clarified there is no order yet to suspend e-sabong.

“Everything is yet a proposal by the Senate, and there is no order from the President nor did PAGCOR conceded to the idea of suspending the e-sabong,” Acollador said.

While waiting for the suspension order, IPPO will simply monitor the compliance of cockpit operators with license to hold an e-sabong as regards the installation of CCTV cameras.

Meanwhile, the top cop reminded his personnel to deter from engaging with e-sabong in compliance with the PNP National Headquarters.

During Friday’s rank inspection, smartphones of PNP personnel were checked to ensure that they do not use e-sabong applications, or engaging in the said gambling activity.

“We have to prevent our personnel from getting addicted to online gambling as it may affect their productivity and focus,” he said.