For allegedly involving in cockfighting activities, 17 individuals were arrested at Barangays Tangub and Taculing in Bacolod City over the weekend.

Police identified the suspects as Richard Toda, 48, of Barangay Mansilingan; Jaime Alit, 45, of Barangay Pahanocoy; Ronel San Luis, 52, of Barangay 29; Junel De la Cruz, 35, and Jeffrey Arbana, 50, both residents of Barangay Tangub.

Also arrested were Junry Egnon, Angelito Ponteras, Anselmo Jacolo, Salem Romano, Felipe Jaco, Ronel Cebua, Leonardo Rochar, all residents of Barangay Taculing; Jose Justiniani, of La Carlota; Oliver Osliva, of Barangay Mansilingan; Joel Sinforoso Jr., of Baranga 34; and Ian Yasay, of Barangay Estefania in Bacolod City.

Lieutenant Colonel Sherlock Gabana, spokesperson of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), said Toda, Alit, San Luis, De la Cruz and Arbana were arrested by operatives of Police Station 8 after they were caught in the act of initiating a cockfighting activity at Purok San Roque in Barangay Tangub around 12:30 p.m. Sunday, January 30.

The police seized two fighting cocks, two gaffer blades and tapes, and P1, 680 cash.

On the same day, Gabana said, Egnon and his companions were also arrested by operatives of Police Station 6 at Purok Harden, Barangay Taculing past 11 a.m.

The suspects are detained at the custodial facility of Police Stations 6 and 8.

They will be charted for violation of Presidential Decree 449 or the Cockfighting Law.*