A MUNICIPAL councilor of the northwestern town of Tuburan, Cebu and his brother were among the persons arrested in an illegal cockfight on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021.
They were identified as Arbello dela Cerna, 51, and Renan dela Cerna, 45, respectively.
The operation against public health protocol violators took place in Purok 1, Sitio Matnog, Barangay Putat.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Cebu Provincial Field Unit had received information that illegal cockfights, locally known as “tigbakay,” were being held in the area.
After sending undercover personnel to monitor the activities, it was able to confirm the reports.
The cockfight had already started when CIDG operatives arrived along with members of the Tuburan Police Station.
They also arrested Alexander Mangubat, 62; Antonio Caray, 57; Ananias Talaugon, 57; Jesus Sinaloba, 66; Santiago Talaugon, 55; Allan Allego, 54; and Edgar Arnoco, 51. Most of them are residents of Barangay Putat.
According to Tuburan Police Chief Lt. Col. Rolando Barraquio, the others were able to flee when they noticed the police’s presence.
The nine who are in custody, though, were not fast enough to escape arrest.
They will be charged with violating Presidential Decree (PD) 449 as amended by PD 1602, Section 9 of Republic Act 11332 and Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code. These laws punish individuals who engage in illegal gambling.
They will also be charged with violating health protocols for mass gathering as there were reportedly around 200 persons at the scene.
This is prohibited because the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is still ongoing, Barraquio said.
Meanwhile, Renan may face a separate charge for carrying a 9mm pistol. Although the gun is registered, he failed to present an authority to carry a firearm. (AYB / KAL)