A VILLAGE chief of San Simon town was recently arrested by joint elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Pampanga Provincial Police Office and local police over alleged illegal gambling.

San Simon police chief Major Freddie Herry said Barangay San Pablo Libutad Chairman Reynaldo David was arrested for alleged operation of illegal cockfighting in his jurisdiction.

David was nabbed along with eight others who were allegedly operating a cockpit without necessary legal documents and permits, Herry said.

“David was allegedly among the owners and operators of a tupada or illegal cockpit arena which is not registered with the government,” the police chief said.

David, along with the eight other suspects, were charged for violating Presidential Decree No. 1602 or illegal cockfighting.

However, Herry said David and his companions were released by the court due to insufficient evidence after his case was subjected for preliminary investigation by the police.