Criminal and administrative complaints were formally filed at the Office of the Ombudsman on July 20 against Negros Occidental Third District Board Member Andrew Gerard L. Montelibano, the Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO NIR) confirmed on Thursday, July 23.
The complaints were lodged by PRO NIR's Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) following a joint operation in Barangay Alicante, E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental, which led to the discovery of an alleged illegal online cockfighting facility, according to a press statement signed by Regional Director Police Brigadier General Romano V. Cardiño.
Raid Uncovers Alleged E-Sabong Operation in E.B. Magalona
The case traces back to a July 8 manhunt operation at Hacienda Pilar, Barangay Alicante, E.B. Magalona. PRO NIR said operatives had been serving an arrest warrant on a wanted person when they chanced upon what authorities described as an ongoing e-sabong — or illegal online cockfighting — operation at the premises.
The target of the arrest warrant evaded custody during the operation. However, four individuals present at the site were taken into custody and subsequently faced complaints for violation of Presidential Decree No. 1602, as amended by Republic Act No. 9287, in relation to Republic Act No. 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. The four later underwent inquest proceedings and were released from police custody.
Items Seized at Hacienda Pilar
Police inventories from the July 8 operation documented a significant volume of materials associated with cockfighting activity at the site. According to PRO NIR, the items recovered included fighting cocks, carcasses, and equipment consistent with an online sabong setup.
The specific offenses cited in the Ombudsman complaints against Montelibano were not disclosed by the regional police office.
Montelibano Identified as Person of Interest on July 9
Brigadier General Cardiño first publicly identified Montelibano as a person of interest on July 9 — the day after the raid — citing the board member's reported presence in the vicinity during the operation and questions over control of the property where the alleged facility was discovered.
Montelibano holds the position of Third District Board Member of the Negros Occidental Sangguniang Panlalawigan, making the filing of complaints before the Ombudsman — the constitutionally mandated anti-graft body with jurisdiction over public officials — the appropriate legal venue for both criminal and administrative charges.
Board Member Denies Any Involvement
Montelibano denied involvement in the alleged e-sabong operation at a press conference held on July 10. He stated that the property had been leased by a corporation associated with his family and maintained that he had no knowledge of any illegal online cockfighting activity being conducted there.
He also said he was prepared to cooperate fully with the investigation. At the same briefing, Montelibano confirmed his intention to seek the mayoral post of Murcia in the 2028 local elections.
Police Withhold Evidence Details, Cite Ombudsman Jurisdiction
PRO NIR stressed in its July 23 statement that the filing and receipt of the complaints constitute part of the legal process and must not be interpreted as a determination of guilt on the part of Montelibano.
The regional office said it would refrain from disclosing the specific details, evidence, and allegations contained in the complaints, noting that the matter now falls within the jurisdiction of the Office of the Ombudsman and remains subject to its evaluation. PRO NIR said further public disclosure could unduly affect the proceedings.
"PRO NIR remains committed to upholding the rule of law through professional, impartial and evidence-based law enforcement while respecting the independence of the Office of the Ombudsman in the disposition of the complaints," Cardiño's statement read.
Ombudsman to Determine Next Steps
The complaints, filed on July 20, now rest with the Office of the Ombudsman, which will determine whether sufficient grounds exist to proceed to a formal preliminary investigation. No timeline for that determination has been publicly announced.
By the Numbers
- 142 — live fighting cocks recovered during the July 8 raid
- 106 — fighting cock carcasses found at the site
- 156 — gaffs (cockfighting blades) seized
- 2 — camera stands recovered
- 2 — television monitors recovered
- 4 — individuals arrested during the operation, later released after inquest
- July 20 — date complaints were formally filed at the Office of the Ombudsman
Why This Matters
The filing of Ombudsman complaints marks a significant legal escalation, as the case now involves a sitting elected official facing both criminal and administrative proceedings before the country's primary anti-graft body. E-sabong operations were banned nationally in 2022, and their alleged re-emergence at a property linked to a public official carries legal consequences under multiple statutes, including the Cybercrime Prevention Act. The Ombudsman's preliminary evaluation will determine whether Montelibano faces a formal investigation that could affect his fitness to hold and seek public office.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of PRO NIR / PNP