28 Arrested for Illegal Cockfighting in Iloilo

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Twenty-eight people were arrested in two police raids on the morning of March 2 in Iloilo province.

The first operation took place around 9:55 a.m. at Sitio Proper, Barangay Mostro, Anilao, conducted by the Anilao Municipal Police Station.

Police arrested two suspected bettors, identified only by their aliases: Romy, 37, of Sitio Pangurayan, Mostro, and Vernon, 45, of Barangay Manganese, Anilao.

The alleged game promoter, alias Jerson, 32, of Mostro village, managed to evade arrest.

Authorities recovered seven fighting cocks, 16 gaffs, PHP1,500 in bet money, and other cockfighting paraphernalia.

The second raid happened at 11:30 a.m. in Barangay Pandac, Pavia.

It led to the arrest of 26 individuals, many of whom were non-residents of the village.

Police confiscated two cockfighting rings, PHP9,100 in bet money, and 15 fighting cocks.

The suspects are now detained and will face charges for violating Presidential Decree 449, or the Anti-Cockfighting Law of 1974, as amended by Presidential Decree 1602.