Board Member Andrew Montelibano said his being falsely linked to illegal online cockfighting (e-sabong) operations will not derail his plan to run for mayor of Murcia in 2028.
During a press conference on Friday morning, July 10, Montelibano also announced that his running mate will be Murcia Councilor JR Gravino.
Asked if he has the support of the third district congressman, Montelibano said, “For now, I cannot say yes, I cannot say no… As of today, I have the support of myself.”
Montelibano held the press conference to air his side after police named him a “person of interest” following the discovery of an alleged multi-million peso illegal e-sabong operation on his property in Hacienda Pilar, Barangay Alicante, E.B. Magalona town.
Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, Negros Island Region (NIR) police regional director, said authorities are investigating Montelibano’s ownership of the property where the e-sabong operation was discovered, as well as his presence in the vicinity during the police bust Wednesday night.
“I assure you I am not at fault. My conscience is clear and no one can derail me for 2028,” Montelibano said, adding that he is ready to cooperate with the police investigation.
Montelibano reiterated that he was unaware that e-sabong operations were taking place on his property and maintained that he is not part of that business.
He explained that a certain “Ricky,” whom he has never met, rented the property through his family corporation’s office to use as a conditioning area for fighting cocks.
Montelibano said he did not know Ricky’s last name and that there was no written lease contract since it was a short-term, month-to-month agreement.
The lessee paid ₱15,000 a month, he added.
SHOW PROOF
Cardiño said that as soon as the police complete their documentation, they will seek clarifications from Montelibano.
They will ask the board member why there was an illegal activity on his property, Cardiño said, adding that Montelibano should show proof that the property was rented and provide information on the identity of the lessee.
As a landowner, one should conduct due diligence when renting out property, the regional director said.
Police reported that the items recovered at the e-sabong facility on Montelibano’s property included 142 live fighting cocks, 106 dead fighting cocks, 156 gaffs, two camera stands, and two television monitors—all believed to have been used in the illegal online gambling operation.
4 ARRESTED, RELEASED
The police, who were initially pursuing a wanted person, chanced upon the e-sabong facility and arrested four individuals, Cardiño said.
Montelibano said that he does not know the wanted person pursued by the police.
Complaints were filed against the four arresteds for violations of Presidential Decree No. 1602, as amended by Republic Act No. 9287 (Illegal Gambling), in relation to Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012), according to Lt. Col. Joem Malong, Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) spokesperson.
The suspects underwent inquest proceedings and were later released from police custody, Malong said. The PRO-NIR will submit additional evidence to establish the e-sabong charges and will secure a cyber warrant to examine the seized information technology equipment, she added.
A WELCOME MOVE
Montelibano reiterated on Friday that he is glad the e-sabong operation was uncovered, calling it a victory for the legitimate cockfighting industry. He added that he is fully willing to assist in any investigation.
E-sabong operators buy fighting cocks cheaply, which hurts the local breeding industry, Montelibano explained.
The board member said he not filing charges against the police personnel who entered his property without a search warrant.
“I thank the PNP for doing something about our fight against online gambling,” he said.
Regarding the suspected operators of the e-sabong—identified by Cardiño as alias “Kim,” alias “Cano,” and alias “Eric”—Montelibano said those are very familiar names and that he hopes the PNP will successfully uncover their true identities.*
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