DESPITE countless reminders against any forms of illegal gambling, a man was arrested and is currently facing multiple charges for illegal cockfighting and violation of enhanced community quarantine guidelines amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
Based on a report from Police Regional Office (PRO)-Davao, on Sunday, April 26, the person was arrested for illegal cockfighting after a concerned citizen informed authorities of an ongoing cockfighting activity in Sitio Lu-ay, Barangay Zone II, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.
Police said that around 11:35 a.m. of the same day, the suspect, who was identified as Rocil Batawan Eled, 44, married, laborer, and a resident of Purok Lanzones, Barangay Zone 2, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, was caught in the act of participating in an illegal cockfight in the area.
Recovered from his possession were two heads of fighting cocks.
Sta. Cruz Municipal Police Station reported that the apprehension of the suspect will serve as a warning to the public to refrain from participating in illegal gambling while the government has been advising the people to stay indoors due to the threat of Covid-19.
PRO-Davao Director Filmore Escobal said in a virtual presser that their policemen are not being complacent despite the crisis. Continued law enforcement operations against illegal gambling activities are being carried out by their police units.
"Pinag-igtingan natin ang ating operation against illegal gambling," Escobal said.
He recalled that the Covid-19 cases increased following a cockfight derby activity where several individuals contracted the disease.
"Ito kasing mga pagsusugal, ito isang sa naging source ng infection kaya karamihan sa nag positive sa Covid nanggaling sa Matina cockfighting," Escobal said.
Meanwhile, the suspect has been placed under the custody of Sta. Cruz Municipal Police Station while a case for violation of Presidential Decree 449 (Cockfighting Law), Article 151 or Resistance and Disobedience to a person in authority or the agents of such person, and Republic Act 11332 or Mandatory reporting of Notifiable diseases and health events of public concern act is now being prepared against the suspect.