The Philippines: 11 arrested for illegal cockfight betting

Those arrested were allegedly participating in illegal cockfighting betting rings on Bantayan Island.

01/27/22

Police in the Philippines have arrested 11 people for alleged involvement in illegal cockfighting betting in Bantayan Island, northern Cebu.

The Philippines.- 11 men have been arrested for allegedly being involved in illegal cockfights on Bantayan Island, north of Cebu. Another 16 people were able to escape and hide from the police who chased after them yesterday (January 26).

Police carried out a raid at an illegal cockfight locally known as tigbakay after receiving calls from concerned citizens. During the raid, police seized 16 roosters, two dead chickens, cockfighting knives and PHP1,500. Those arrested will be charged for engaging in illegal gambling.

Earlier this month, the superintendent of police (SP) Siddharth Kaushal reported that police dismantled 52 arenas readied for cockfights in various parts of the district. Police also seized 126 roosters, 1,306 rooster knives, 96 two-wheelers, two auto-rickshaws, three cars, 22 mobile phones, an electric motor and other equipment used to prepare the arena.

The Philippines’ cockfighting industry is believed to be worth just over US$1bn per year. PAGCOR has collected PHP1bn (US$19.9m) in fees since licenced e-sabong (online cockfighting) operators started to operate in the Philippines.

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