AT LEAST 13 people, including a barangay tanod, were arrested in alleged illegal cockfighting activities in Leyte and Eastern Samar despite the health risk posed by coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

In Tanauan, Leyte, police nabbed a 48-year-old person in Barangay Magay on Sunday, May 24.

A 33-year-old father was also arrested, while three of his companions eluded arrest in Barangay Barugohay Sur, Carigara, Leyte.

In Hindang, Leyte, police nabbed a 48-year-old laborer along with two other companions while engaging in illegal cockfighting activity in Sitio Caimito, Barangay Tagbibi on Sunday, May 24.

On May 23, police in Pastrana, Leyte arrested a 30-year-old barangay tanod over the same violation.

A barangay captain and two other companions also eluded arrest during the operation.

Seven persons were also arrested in Barangay Cag-olango, Balangiga, Eastern Samar on Sunday, May 24. (SunStar Philippines)