ICPO Cop Probed for Alleged Cockfight Incident

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A patrolman from the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) is under administrative investigation following his alleged involvement in a cockfight tampering incident at the Coliseo de Leganes in Leganes, Iloilo.

The 36-year-old officer, a native of Anilao, Iloilo, was linked to a reported “cockfight poisoning” incident that occurred on March 29.

In a statement, ICPO confirmed that it has ordered an internal probe into the incident involving the officer assigned to Police Station 7.

Col. Kim Legada, Iloilo City police chief, said appropriate administrative charges will be filed if the evidence warrants.

Legada reaffirmed ICPO’s zero-tolerance policy on illegal gambling and misconduct by police personnel.

“I have given direct instructions to our unit commanders to strictly monitor their personnel,” he said.

“Any involvement in illegal gambling or similar activities will not be tolerated. We will enforce discipline and, if warranted, file appropriate charges.”

Legada also reminded police officers to uphold their role as law enforcers and lead by example.

“Law enforcers must be role models of integrity,” he said.

“Any officer found violating this directive will face administrative and criminal consequences.”

ICPO urged the public to report illegal gambling activities and assured its commitment to maintaining discipline and integrity within the organization.

The patrolman was brought in for questioning at the Leganes Municipal Police Station on the evening of March 29.

The incident stemmed from a complaint by a cock handler who noticed his fighting rooster was behaving abnormally before a match.

He requested a review of the CCTV footage.

At around 7:40 p.m., the footage reportedly showed a man approaching the handler’s gamefowl inside a cage.

The video appeared to show the man throwing something toward the rooster.

The handler believed the bird ingested a substance that affected its performance.

The man was later identified as the ICPO patrolman.

The incident caused a commotion, prompting authorities to bring the involved parties to the police station.

Capt. Gen. Enrique Robles, Leganes police chief, said the patrolman denied the allegations.

No formal charges were filed.

On Tuesday, April 1, it was confirmed that the complainant and the accused officer reached an amicable settlement.

Reports suggested the patrolman paid the complainant a considerable amount.

“We couldn’t confirm the monetary aspect of the settlement, but the complainant has signed an affidavit of non-interest,” Robles said.

The patrolman, who holds the rank of Patrolman, joined the Philippine National Police in 2017.