Police officers in the towns of Bato and Caramoran conducted separate anti-illegal gambling operations last week that netted four persons allegedly involved in illegal cockfighting or tupada.
In Mabini, Caramoran, the lawmen headed by PCpl Driffin Dominguez arrested abaca strippers Edelberto Aguilar, 27, of Sabangan, and Alberto dela Cruz, 40, of Mabini, while in the act of engaging in the activity at 11:30 AM of Jan. 23, 2022.
Recovered from the suspects were two (2) fighting cocks and P440 in bet money.
At the same time, a team from the Bato police station led by PSSg John Paul Vega raided a “tupadahan” in Guinobatan, resulting in the apprehension of carpenter Jovanne Supranes, 42, of Guinobatan, and fisherman Jeff Soledad, 27, of San Andres.
They recovered two dead roosters and a P100 bill.
The four suspects will be charged for violation of Presidential Decree 449 as amended by PD 1602.
The operation of cockpits and cockfighting activity are prohibited under Alert Level 3 of the pandemic.
This has led to the growing popularity of online “sabong” allegedly operated by a candidate for a provincial post.
Cockfighting is allowed only in areas under Alert Level 2 subject to restrictions and health protocols such as maximum 50% capacity for vaccinated persons and cashless betting.