It's no secret that cockfighting is incredibly cruel, as it's typically controlled by local criminal networks. There have been numerous cases of people being kidnapped or murdered after winning a match or for other reasons. This is why cockfighting isn't for everyone; it's only for those prepared to face the consequences, given the cruelty of the world of cockfighting. It's for this reason that cockfighting is banned in many countries, as it's not only cruel to the animals but also to the people involved.
This case in the Philippines, i could say is isolated. Cockfighting here is okay and as a enthusiast i could say that there is no criminal networks involve at least here in our place. In fact many tourist come to cockfight arena to witness cockfighting event as they are eager to see why this banned event in their country is so popular here in the Philippines.
In terms of the gambling way itself then cockfighting is really one of the best way of gambling especially to those who are residing in the rural places, though like what you've said there are tourist who loves to see the actual gambling as there are arenas that's desigend to cater big fights, those VIP's who can spent huge amount of money.
Cockfighting is more prevalent in urban areas of the Philippines, where the money involved is significantly greater than in rural regions. Tourists typically visit cockfighting arenas as spectators rather than participants in gambling, though a few may still engage. The industry is so deeply rooted in Filipino culture and economy that, should the government ever consider banning it, they would likely face considerable challenges in doing so.
Actually cockfighting is ban when you do it on rural areas. There are designated arenas which sabongero's can legally bet and do those things that they want there.
Police conducting heavy crackdowns those illegal sabong done on public areas and I seen lots of raids happening and to many illegal bettors got caught doing this. But despite of the action done by authorities there are still lots of people doing such illegal things.
When E sabong has been introduce online cockfighting betting became rampant and many abuse or other type of crimes happen just like these unfortunate situation happen on missing sabongero's.
Hopefully they can get real justice since the way how the investigation going right now its like they are just getting false hope. Since there are some forces using them to eliminate their political opponent.