TWO municipal councilors of Poro, Camotes were among 55 persons caught in an illegal cockfighting event, locally known as tigbakay, at Gallera de Laganason in Barangay Esperanza, Poro at 12:10 a.m. Monday, April 26, 2021.

The arrested local lawmakers were Andrew Zurita, 38, and Ashley Otadoy, 54.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) officer Cliff Otadoy, 52, was caught along with former municipal councilor Augustus Zurita, owner of the cockpit and Andrew’s relative.

Also caught was Mercedes Barangay Councilor Dennis Camomit, 48.

Operatives from the Provincial Intelligence Unit and 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Cebu Police Provincial Office initiated the raid after receiving reports from an informant about an unsanctioned event, which also violated the social distancing policy.

Poro Police Station Chief Christopher Toregosa said they often received reports about the staging of illegal cockfighting events at Gallera de Laganason, but whenever they arrived at the venue, the gamblers would already be gone.

He said they caught persons staging illegal cockfighting in other areas.

Condemnation