Woman arrested for ‘embezzling’ PHP900,000 for online sabong

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – A 30-year-old former accountant wanted for qualified theft was arrested in Barangay Cabug on Wednesday for allegedly embezzling around PHP900,000 from her former employer to support her online sabong (cockfighting) addiction.

Police Capt. Glenn Montaño, chief of Police Station 10, said authorities served the arrest warrant at the suspect’s residence.

The charge is bailable at PHP40,000.

Montaño said the suspect had worked as an accountant for eight years at a virtual marketing company in Barangay Mansilingan and admitted to misappropriating company funds over a two-year period.

The company discovered the missing funds two years ago.

The suspect received a subpoena last January and was aware of the pending warrants, Montaño added.

She is now detained at Police Station 10.

Meanwhile, four of the most wanted persons in Negros Occidental were arrested Wednesday in a series of intensified police operations.

Through the efforts of the intelligence units of the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), operatives apprehended the fifth and seventh most wanted individuals at the regional level.

A 30-year-old man from Ilog, tagged as the region’s fifth most wanted person, was arrested for eight counts of qualified rape through sexual assault involving his nieces, ages 7, 8, and 9.

The Regional Trial Court Branch 61 in Kabankalan City issued the no-bail warrant on Aug. 8, 2025.

A 44-year-old man from Pontevedra, tagged as the seventh most wanted person in the region, was served an arrest warrant for service of sentence issued by RTC Branch 74 in La Carlota City on Aug. 30, 2024.

He was previously convicted of violating Section 5 (sale of dangerous drugs), Article 2 of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and released on probation.

However, his probation was canceled due to continued drug use, prompting the issuance of a new arrest warrant.

In Sagay City, a 34-year-old man already under detention was served another warrant for service of sentence for violating Section 5 of RA 9165.

The warrant was issued by RTC Branch 73 on Aug. 5, 2025.

He is among the city’s most wanted persons.

In Pulupandan, a 41-year-old man was arrested for allegedly committing acts of lasciviousness against a minor neighbor.

RTC Branch 75 in Bago City issued the arrest warrant on Aug. 8, 2025, for violating RA 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

The court recommended bail of PHP200,000 for his provisional release.

In a statement, Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to maintaining peace, order, and public safety across Negros Island.

“These operations send a clear message that lawbreakers have no place to hide in Negros Island,” Ibay said.

He assured the public of continued service to ensure communities remain safe, drug-free, and conducive to progress.

The arrests form part of PRO-NIR’s intensified campaign under its flagship anti-criminality and anti-illegal drugs programs.

These efforts aim to dismantle criminal networks, protect youth from illegal drugs, and uphold the rule of law.

Authorities urged the public to stay vigilant and actively cooperate with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities in their communities.

“Through continued collaboration between the police and the people, a safer and more peaceful Negros Island can be achieved,” Ibay said.