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SABONG
Sabong, the Filipino tradition of cockfighting, has deep cultural roots in the Philippines dating back thousands of years before colonial times. Italian diarist Antonio Pigafetta documented this practice during Ferdinand Magellan's 1521 expedition, noting how it transcended social class as both a popular pastime and social ritual.
In this sport, roosters equipped with sharp blades called gaffs fight to the death in licensed venues throughout the country. Weekly legal matches are overseen by officials including sentensyador (referees) and kristo (bet-takers). Deeply woven into Filipino festivals and community life, sabong symbolizes courage, skill, and honor.
Despite its cultural importance, cockfighting faces criticism for animal cruelty concerns and gambling associations. Scrutiny intensified with the rise of online sabong, particularly following the 2021–2022 disappearance of at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts. These cases involved allegations of kidnapping and murder implicating influential figures and police officers, exposing criminality and corruption within the cockfighting world. This prompted government investigations and a temporary ban on livestreamed events, though traditional sabong remains legal.
Today, sabong continues as a billion-dollar industry in the Philippines, with thousands of arenas and millions of roosters fighting annually. It represents a complex intersection of heritage, economy, and social dynamics in Filipino society.
In this sport, roosters equipped with sharp blades called gaffs fight to the death in licensed venues throughout the country. Weekly legal matches are overseen by officials including sentensyador (referees) and kristo (bet-takers). Deeply woven into Filipino festivals and community life, sabong symbolizes courage, skill, and honor.
Despite its cultural importance, cockfighting faces criticism for animal cruelty concerns and gambling associations. Scrutiny intensified with the rise of online sabong, particularly following the 2021–2022 disappearance of at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts. These cases involved allegations of kidnapping and murder implicating influential figures and police officers, exposing criminality and corruption within the cockfighting world. This prompted government investigations and a temporary ban on livestreamed events, though traditional sabong remains legal.
Today, sabong continues as a billion-dollar industry in the Philippines, with thousands of arenas and millions of roosters fighting annually. It represents a complex intersection of heritage, economy, and social dynamics in Filipino society.