NORTHERN Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan has issued a stern warning against illegal cockfighting violators in the province following the four additional cases of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) that were traced to an illegal cockfighting event or "tupada" in Bobon town.

In a statement, Ongchuan reiterated his order to the local police to arrest all violators.

"Bisan ano pa an estado sa kinabuhi, bisan kun abogado, fiscal, negosyante, contractor o opisyal man sa gobyerno, waray dapat palusuton, waray dapat tagan konsiderasyon...Ini akon sagdon sa iyo mga akon igkasi-Nortehanon. Ayaw kam siton na Tupada labi na yana nga pandemia. Pasensyahan nala kita. Consider this as my last warning," said the governor.

(Regardless of the status, whether a lawyer, fiscal, businessman, contractor or government official, no one is exempted or should be given any consideration. This is my warning to you my fellow Nortehanons. Don't engage in illegal cockfighting, especially during this pandemic. Consider this as my last warning.)



Ongchuan said four of the new Covid-19 cases in the province got the virus after attending a cockfighting activity held last August 23, 24 and 25 in Bobon town.

On September 6, police arrested two male persons, ages 50 and 67, for an alleged illegal cockfighting activity in Sitio Casapinitan, Barangay Santander, Bobon.

Earlier, four male persons were also caught while engaging in an illegal cockfighting activity in Barangay Camparanga in Pambujan town.

The suspects will face charges for violation of Presidential Decree 449, otherwise known as the Cockfighting Law of 1974, as amended by Presidential Decree 1602, or the illegal gambling act.

As of September 5, Northern Samar recorded a total of 117 Covid-19 cases, with 51 recoveries and 66 active cases. (SunStar Philippines)