Mandaue cockpit raided; 200 persons held

ELEMENTS of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) 7 raided a cockpit in Barangay Ibabao-Estancia, Mandaue City past 4 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 5, 2019.

They detained more than 200 persons inside the facility, which is reportedly owned by a prominent personality in the city.

They also confiscated fighting cocks and the bet money.

Major Edwin Lacostales, CIDG 7 chief, said the cockpit has a permit to operate.

However, he cited Presidential Decree (PD) 449 that allows cockfighting only on Sundays and special holidays. Cockpits can also operate during fiestas, but not for more than three days.

PD 449 bans cockfighting on Rizal Day, National Heroes Day, Independence Day, Holy Thursday, Holy Friday, Election Day or Referendum Day and during Registration Days for such election or referendum.

Authorities had noticed that cockfights were held in the cockpit every day.

Lacostales said he had no idea who owned the facility, but they would check its permit.

He also had no idea how to transport the more than 200 persons they detained to their headquarters inside the Camp Sotero Cabahug on Gorordo Ave. in Cebu City.

Lacostales said the Philippine National Police has intensified its campaign against illegal gambling on President Rodrigo Duterte’s orders. (from AYB of Superbalita Cebu/PJB)