President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. has issued an order directing the continued suspension of the operations of electronic cockfighting or e-sabong across the country.

Under the Executive Order No. 9 dated Dec. 28 but released on Thursday, the President ordered suspension of all the activities related to e-sabong including “live-streaming or the broadcasting of live cockfights outside cockpits or cockfighting arenas or premises where cockfights are being held.”

Also suspended are the “online/remote, or off-cockpit wagering/betting on live cockfighting matches and/or activities streamed or broadcast live, regardless of the location of the betting platform.”

The traditional cockfights that are licensed or authorized under existing laws to operate are not covered by the suspension.

According to the issuance, the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) will coordinate with local government units (LGUs), other concerned government agencies, and private entities on the implementation of the order.

Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are tasked to provide the necessary assistance to PAGCOR and take appropriate action against violators, in accordance with law.

The DILG and PNP are also directed to submit regular reports to the President through the Office of the Executive Secretary.

In May this year, former President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the termination of all e-sabong operations following the kidnapping of 31 sabungeros or cockfighting enthusiasts.