President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the continued suspension of e-sabong operations nationwide “to protect public health and morals and promote public safety and general welfare,” the Office of the Press Secretary says.

“There is an urgent need to reiterate the continued suspension of all e-sabong operations nationwide, clarify the scope of existing regulations and direct relevant agencies to pursue aggressive crackdown against illegal e-sabong operations, in accordance with law,” Executive Order No. 9, issued December 28, read.

Under the EO, live-streaming or broadcasting of live cockfights outside cockpits or cockfighting arenas or premises where cockfights are being held will be suspended.

We all know that the Former President Rodrigo Duterte ordered to stop the online cockfighting operations known as e-sabong on May 3 this year because of the disappearance of at least 34 sabungero in the country.