AT LEAST 13 persons were arrested after police launched separate operations against illegal cockfighting in Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro City over the weekend amid authorities' order to refuse gathering due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Operatives arrested six men in Manolo Fortich town. They were identified as Aldous Villegas, 35, alleged engineer by profession of Tangub City; Rey Gondiaga, 35, laborer, of Barangay Lingion, Manolo Fortich; Arman Dela Pena, 30, laborer, of Danggawan, Maramag town; Bayani Lacapag, 55, of Barangay Lingion, Manolo Fortich; Ruel Ebcas, 34; and Victor Hernani, 41, laborer of Barangay Lingion.

Others scampered to different directions when police were about to carry out the arrest after seeing them engaging in illegal cockfighting (tari-tari).

In Lingating, Baungon town, two persons were nabbed for also operating tari-tari.

The suspects were identified as Jayboy Valle, 24, and Victor Tobiano, 25, both laborers and resident of the said village.

Seized were three units of single motorcycles and a large bag, which were turned over to the Baungon town police.

Three more suspects were arrested in Maramag town. They were identified as Odon Paypa, 42, and Jose Bicera, 54, both farmers; and Antonio Binondo, 56, laborer.

Recovered were a piece of gaff, two pieces gold fighting cocks and cash.

Meanwhile, police arrested two men in Cagayan de Oro City.

Suspects were identified as Leo Batucan, 45, of Calaanan, Canitoan, and Alex Pacho, 45, of KM-4, Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City.

The suspects were caught in the act engaging in tari-tari as bettors while others eluded arrest.

All the suspects are now detained and will face charges.

Cockfighting, which is a form of mass gathering, is among the prohibited activities amid the Covid-19 pandemic.