Cockfight fanatics collared

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

Nine persons were arrested for cockfighting in the provinces of Iloilo and Antique.

Members of Cabatuan Police Station in Iloilo nabbed seven men at Barangay Tiring, Cabatuan around 3 p.m. on June 21, 2020.

Police Major Niño Leonard Amar, Cabatuan police chief, identified the suspects as Ricky Balleso, 33; Limuel Hismania, 36; Cristian Mike Gabata, 23; None Palic, 43; and Argie Angat, 42. They are all residents of Tiring.

The other two suspects were Emmanuel Sorongon, 36, of Barangay Cafe, Sta. Barbara; and John Pacardo, 29, of Barangay Daga, Sta. Barbara.

Police recovered from the scene a makeshift ring, two heads of fighting cocks, and P515 cash.

The suspects will be charged for violation of Presidential Decree 449 (Cockfighting Law of 1974) and disobedience to a person in authority.

Meanwhile, two persons were arrested in an anti-illegal gambling operation in Barangay Igdalaquit, Sibalom, Antique around 11:15 a.m. on June 22.

Arrested were Marino Magiling, 37, of Barangay Bugo, San Remigio town; and Roque Echalar, also a resident of Igdalaquit village.

Police said two other suspects – Pajun Fadrillan and a certain Eddie Obsina, both residents of Igdalaquit – escaped and remain at large, as of this writing.

Police seized two fighting cocks, 2 gaffs, and P300 bet money.

They will be charged for violation of PD 449 and Provincial Ordinance No. 67.

A week ago, the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) said it would heighten its campaign against cockfights.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert Gorero, PRO-6 spokesperson, issued the warning after the recent operations against illegal cockfighting, particularly during weekends.

PRO-6 records indicated that 69 operations against violation of PD 449 were conducted from March 15 (the start of the community quarantine) until June 5.

Negros Occidental scored 21 operations; 12 each in Aklan and Antique; 7 in Iloilo City; 5 in Iloilo province; and 2 each in Capiz and Guimaras.