Leyte cop suspended for allegedly running ‘e-sabong’

TACLOBAN CITY — A policeman in Kananga town, Leyte was suspended for 60 days pending the resolution of an administrative case filed against him for allegedly engaging in e-sabong or the remote wagering of bets in live cockfights.

Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Cabelin was accused of running an e-sabong together with his brother.

The police earlier conducted a raid in Kananga town but Cabelin was not around at that time.

Cabelin and his brother were charged for violating Presidential Decree 1602, otherwise known as the Anti-Gambling Law.

Brigadier Gen. Bernard Banac, the police regional director, in a statement said that the suspension and possible dismissal from service of Cabelin should serve as a stern warning among police personnel in the region that he is serious in penalizing any erring member of the organization.

“Following the specific instructions of the Chief PNP (Dionardo Carlos) against erring personnel, I am giving a stern warning to every police officer under my watch. This PRO (Police Regional Office) will not tolerate any wrongdoing of our personnel in the ranks. We will lodge appropriate charges to anyone caught violating our laws and internal rules and regulations,” he said.

Banac also appealed to the public to report similar involvement of police officers in their nearby communities.

RELATED STORY

‘E-sabong’ may have caused spike in COVID-19 cases in Davao Occidental town