The Senate on Monday is calling on the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to suspend the operations of online cockfighting operators amid the reported disappearances that are allegedly connected to it.
In a resolution signed by senators, they said they "strongly urge the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation to suspend the license to operate of 'e-sabong' operators and to immediately stop activities related to e-sabong until the cases of missing sabungeros are resolved."
This covers the license of operate of Belvedere Vista Corporation, Lucky 8 Star Quest Inc,. Visayas Cockers Club, Inc., Newin Cockers Alliance Gaming Corporation, Philippine Cockfighting International Inc., and Golden Buzzer, Inc., which were granted licenses by PAGCOR in the past.
The resolution came out after the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs carried out a legislative inquiry on the case of missing sabungeros since last year.
Investigation held by the Philippine National Police said there were six incidents involving 31 individuals who have gone missing after visiting cockpit arenas in Manila and Southern Luzon.
"Law enforcement agencies are deeply concerned that there might more 'e-sabong' related abductions and disappearances than that of reported," read the resolution.
The senators also suspect that the abductions are "well-planned and was probably done by trained and organized groups."
As the government agency regulating operations of e-sabong, the senators agreed during the legislative inquiry that PAGCOR should suspend e-sabong operations amid pending investigation over the missing persons case.
