AT LEAST 38 persons involved in illegal cockfighting activities were arrested in one-day police operations in Eastern Visayas on July 5, 2020.

The arrests were made following the order of police director Brigadier General Bernabe Balba to strengthen the anti-gambling campaign in the region.

"We will not tolerate any form of gambling in our area of responsibility. The people of Eastern Visayas deserve peace and security at all cost," said Balba.

Leyte Police Provincial Office apprehended 18 personalities from Matalom, Kananga, Carigara, Villaba, Tabontabon, Barugo and Mahaplag.

Also confiscated from them were fighting cocks, gaffs and bet money amounting to P15,900.

In Eastern Samar, police arrested nine persons from MacArthur and Lawaan and confiscated from the alleged violators fighting cocks, gaffs and bet money with a total of P6,000.

Samar Police Provincial Office also arrested eight individuals from Catbalogan City and Pagsanghan.

Police confiscated from them fighting cocks, gaffs and bet money with a total of P8,000.

In Northern Samar, police nabbed three persons from Catubig town and confiscated from them one fighting cock with an estimated value of P500.

All arrested violators were brought to their respective police stations for documentation and for proper filing of charges in connection with Presidential Decree 449, or Illegal Cockfighting Law, as amended by Presidential Decree 1602, which prescribes stiffer penalties for illegal gambling. (SunStar Philippines)