The Philippines: 56 arrested over illegal cockfighting
Police in Manila have arrested 56 people for involvement in illegal cockfights. Among those arrested were two barangay captains and a councilman.
The Philippines.- 56 people, including two barangay (district) captains and a councilman, have been arrested on suspicion of engaging in tupada or illegal cockfighting in Pandacan, Manila. Agents from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) carried out a raid at an establishment on Beata Street at about 9.45am on Sunday.
CIDG National Capital Region field office chief Colonel Randy Glenn Silvio said one of the captains was the alleged operator and maintainer of the illegal gambling den while the other two officials were bettors. Silvio told Phil Star CIDG agents travelled to the area after receiving reports that a group of people was holding an illegal cockfight.
Three barangay officers and other suspects tried to flee but were caught by police. Police said they recovered 15 fighting cocks, various gambling paraphernalia and cash.
A few weeks ago, police also arrested 11 people for alleged involvement in illegal cockfighting betting in Bantayan Island, northern Cebu.
In January, 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.
