Nine cockfight enthusiasts nabbed during ‘pauwak’

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

Nine enthusiasts were arrested in an illegal cockfighting, locally known as tupada or pauwak, late afternoon of Sept 25, 2022 in Barangay Compayan, Dumangas, Iloilo.

Police identified the suspects as Robert Maravilla, 46; Romualdo Sillonar, 63; and Holy Kir Ardales, 28, all residents of Barangay Compayan, Dumangas.

Also arrested were Brando Pavillar, 41; Martin Andrino, 49; Rony Fernandez, 39; and Harry Tubungbanwa, all residents of Barangay Bantud Fabrica, Dumangas; Raymond Alog, 39, of Barangay Talaugis, Zarraga, Iloilo and Michael Matuan, 39, of Barangay Patlad, Dumangas.

Members of Dumangas Municipal Police Station and the Iloilo Police Provincial Office – Provincial Special Operations Group (IPPO-PSOG) stormed Compayan village following reports of an ongoing tupada at the backyard of Maravilla’s house.

Staff Sergeant Terence John Soria said the nine suspects were caught red-handed.

Recovered at the scene were two heads of fighting clocks, P720 cash, and an improvised cockfighting ring.

The suspects are now detained and will be charged with violation of Presidential Decree 449 (The Anti-Cockfighting Law of 1974).