RAAP—044
SABONG
Cockfighting, locally known as sabong, is a deeply rooted cultural tradition in the Philippines with origins tracing back thousands of years, predating colonial times. Documented by the Italian diarist Antonio Pigafetta during Ferdinand Magellan’s 1521 expedition, sabong has long been a popular pastime and a social ritual transcending class boundaries.
The sport involves roosters fitted with sharp blades called gaffs, which fight to the death in licensed cockpits across the country. Legal cockfights occur weekly and are governed by officials including referees called sentensyador and bet-takers known as kristo. Sabong is interwoven with Filipino festivals and community life, symbolizing courage, skill, and honor.
Despite its cultural significance, cockfighting has sparked controversy due to animal cruelty concerns and its association with gambling. The emergence of online sabong intensified scrutiny following the 2021–2022 disappearance of at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts amid allegations of kidnapping and murder involving influential figures and police officers. These cases, spotlighting criminality and corruption linked to the cockfighting world, prompted government investigations and a temporary ban on livestreamed events, though traditional sabong remains legal.
Today, sabong remains an enduring billion-dollar industry in the Philippines, boasting thousands of arenas and millions of roosters fighting annually. It continues to reflect a complex blend of heritage, economy, and social dynamics within Filipino society.
The sport involves roosters fitted with sharp blades called gaffs, which fight to the death in licensed cockpits across the country. Legal cockfights occur weekly and are governed by officials including referees called sentensyador and bet-takers known as kristo. Sabong is interwoven with Filipino festivals and community life, symbolizing courage, skill, and honor.
Despite its cultural significance, cockfighting has sparked controversy due to animal cruelty concerns and its association with gambling. The emergence of online sabong intensified scrutiny following the 2021–2022 disappearance of at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts amid allegations of kidnapping and murder involving influential figures and police officers. These cases, spotlighting criminality and corruption linked to the cockfighting world, prompted government investigations and a temporary ban on livestreamed events, though traditional sabong remains legal.
Today, sabong remains an enduring billion-dollar industry in the Philippines, boasting thousands of arenas and millions of roosters fighting annually. It continues to reflect a complex blend of heritage, economy, and social dynamics within Filipino society.