PNP wants temporary suspension of cockfights amid COVID-19 scare

By Jennifer P. Rendon

As the country deals with the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Philippine National Police (PNP) moved for the suspension of cockfighting or sabong.

In a memorandum dates March 13, 2020, the PNP national headquarters directed its field unit commanders to coordinate with the local government units (LGUs) in their area for the temporary suspension of sabong for a period of one month.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) spokesperson, said that the suspension of sanctioned gambling, like cockfighting, is beyond their authority.

“That’s why, we would be asking the LGUs to suspend the issuance of permit to operate cockfighting,” she said.

But even without asking the LGUs, several local chief executives already issued executive orders temporarily banning cockfights, citing that these are forms of mass gathering.

In Iloilo City, Mayor Jerry Treñas said a cockpit in Mandurriao district will face consequences for holding a cockfight on March 15, 2020.

Treñas ordered the managements of the cockpit to submit an explanation to his office.

Meanwhile, the PNP memorandum also instructed field units to intensify law enforcement operations against promoter, bettors, and personnel engaged in illegal cockfighting activities.

“This order is also to highlight the crackdown that must be done against illegal cockfighting,” Malong said.

Relatedly, members of the Iloilo City Police Station 1 arrested nine persons for violation of participating in illegal cockfighting inside the Iloilo Fish Port Complex in Barangay Bonifacio, City Proper district, Iloilo City.

The suspects were arrested around 2:00 p.m. of March 15, 2020.

They were identified as Alex Karagas, 22; Junrey Derder, 34; Jason Garcia, 39; Erwin Caranoo, 19; and Rowell Martuz, 24. All are residents of Bantayan, Cebu.

Also collared were Roman Rivera, 39, of Barangay Latasan, EB Magalona, Negros Occidental; Rodrigo Palioto, 19, and Charyl Bregole, 20, both residents of Barangay Malinas, Lanao, del Norte; and Mark Jason, 27, of Barangay Jamandre, North Baluarte, Molo, Iloilo City.

The suspects were caught with five roosters with gaffs and cash of P2,000.

The suspects were detained and will be charged for violation of Presidential Decree 449 or The Cockfighting Law of 1974.