Three farmers nabbed for illegal cockfighting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Three farmers were arrested after they were caught engaging in illegal cockfighting at a mountainous village in Tubungan, Iloilo, on the afternoon of May 16.

The suspects were identified only as alias Joree, 45, and alias Raquel, 37, both of Barangay Igpaho, Tubungan; and alias Jem, 70, of Purok 1, Barangay Insubuan, San Remigio, Antique.

Police said a certain Larry, also a resident of Igpaho village, was able to flee.

Members of the Tubungan Municipal Police Station raided the tupada, or pauwak, game in Sitio Nadsadjan, Barangay Igpaho, around 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

Barangay Igpaho is about 19 kilometers from the town proper.

Police operatives seized three fighting cocks, PHP 2,050 in bet money, two bayong bags, and a plastic container with cockfighting paraphernalia.

Capt. Lunelyn Talamillo, Tubungan police chief, said several other cockfighting enthusiasts were able to escape even before police arrived.

These individuals reside in Igpaho and neighboring villages and even in San Remigio, Antique, which borders the area.

Talamillo said they have received several reports of illegal cockfighting activities in the area.

Cockfighting enthusiasts are quick to flee because they have lookouts who signal players when police are arriving.

The suspects are detained and will be charged with violation of Presidential Decree 449, or the Cockfighting Law of 1974.