Montelibano denies e-sabong ties, backs PNP probe

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental Third District Board Member Andrew Montelibano said he is ready to cooperate with authorities after police raided an alleged illegal online cockfighting, or e-sabong, operation on a five-hectare property in Barangay Alicante, E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental, on Wednesday, arresting four people.

The property is reportedly linked to Montelibano.

Speaking at a press briefing here on Friday, Montelibano, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Games and Amusement, broke his silence on his alleged link to the illegal activity. “This may have a little damage on my name, but it’s okay,” he added.

Montelibano said he welcomes any investigation, noting that authorities identified him as a person of interest because of his presence in the vicinity during the raid. “I just want to clear my name,” he said, adding that although the incident may have affected his reputation, he is confident the truth will come out.

E-sabong has been under nationwide suspension since May 2022, when then-President Rodrigo Duterte ordered its shutdown amid reports of disappeared cockfighting workers and other criminal links to the industry. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. formalized the prohibition in December 2022 through Executive Order No. 9, though illegal operations have continued to surface across the country despite the crackdown.

Montelibano explained that he co-owns the property through a corporation that operates the fishpond where the raid took place, but he stressed that he has not personally managed the property for the past two decades.

He said he understands why police included him as a person of interest, citing his connection to the property’s ownership.

He also expressed respect for the Philippine National Police, or PNP, and its investigation.

According to Montelibano, the property had been leased to a man identified only as “Ricky” in late December last year for the purpose of raising game fowl.

He said no written contract was executed because the lease was intended to be temporary, with a monthly rental fee of PHP 15,000.

The lease ended in May before resuming this month after the renter consistently paid on time.

He maintained that he had no knowledge of any alleged e-sabong activities taking place on the property.

Montelibano also clarified that the raided area is separate from his own gamecock farm, located about a kilometer away and across an irrigation canal.

He recalled arriving at his farm to deliver electrical supplies in preparation for the breeding season when he noticed a large police presence in the area.

He introduced himself to officers and, after asking about the situation, learned they were conducting a hot pursuit operation.

Montelibano said he instructed police to allow one of his workers to accompany them during the search because the employee was familiar with the area.

He added that he did not interfere with the operation and complied when officers asked him to leave for his own safety.

Only later did he learn that the nearby leased property had been raided.

He emphasized that he neither visits the leased property nor employs workers there, saying he never expected illegal activities to take place in the area.

Montelibano said he is prepared to share any information that may assist investigators, describing his involvement as limited to leasing out the property. “Once it is leased, we cannot control what tenants do inside,” he said.

He also denied knowing a man named “Ronel,” whom authorities identified as a regional-level most-wanted person and the subject of the police manhunt.

Montelibano reiterated his support for law enforcement, saying he has no intention of obstructing the investigation or filing complaints against police officers involved in the operation.

“If entering the property without prior notice was necessary because of the urgency of the situation, then I respect their judgment. They were simply doing their job,” he said.

He added that identifying and arresting those truly responsible would also benefit him, as it would help clear his name.

Montelibano also rejected any suggestion that he would participate in illegal online cockfighting, saying he had opportunities to do so during the pandemic but chose not to. “Our family’s connection to game fowl dates back to the 1970s through my father, who was a breeder,” he said.

He said he remains committed to cooperating with authorities and supports efforts to eliminate illegal e-sabong operations.

Police have earlier identified the aliases “Kim,” “Eric,” and “Cano” as three alleged operators in the e-sabong ring.

Montelibano said he did not want to speculate but believed that people in the province know these individuals, adding that police are looking into their identities.

Despite friction caused by the incident, Montelibano thanked the PNP for carrying out its duties. “I have no regrets. I have nothing against the PNP, and I even congratulate them. If there are indeed criminals and illegal activities, I stand with law enforcement in bringing them to justice. I can assure everyone that I have done nothing wrong. My conscience is clear, and I will continue moving forward,” he said.

He also announced his bid for Murcia mayor in the 2028 elections, with Councilor JR Gavino as his running mate.

“I don’t know if this is politically motivated. But I will not let this situation derail my bid for 2028 as Murcia mayor,” he said.