11 persons nabbed for cockfighting

CEBU, Philippines —  Around 11 persons were arrested for illegal cockfighting commonly known as "tigbakay'' by the members of the Cebu Police Provincial Intelligence Unit at Sitio Bayog, Barangay Lamacan, Sibonga, Cebu yesterday afternoon.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Randy Korret, chief of the Intelligence Unit, identified the arrested suspects as Elcid Babao, 57; Reynaldo Cabardo, 55; Danilo Cabardo, 42; Ronie Cabugcal, 30; Analee Cabardo, 41; Edgar Redilla, 25; Allan Campos, 58; Ernesto Sariego, 57; Glen Cabardo ll, 24; Roberto Calderon, 51 and Ernesto Lapaz Alin~o, 62.

Six other persons were able to elude arrest upon noticing the approaching policemen. They were identified as Allan Ponce, Calvo Carillo, Edric Villapan~a, Edwin Casayas, Edwin Sarda and Henry "Buboy" Calderon.

Korret said Sariego, who was among those arrested, even claimed to be a medical practitioner and an assistant doctor in the municipal hospital, while Calderon was identified as the organizer of the illegal activity.

Korret added they have conducted the operation following a report from a concerned citizen that an illegal cockfight was going on in the area last Wednesday.

"Medyo isolated sya, medyo looban ba, walang kalsada," said Korret, referring to the area where the tigbakay was held.

"Usually daw mga Saturday, Sunday (the cockfighting schedule) depende, pero ngayon kasi, bukas kasi yung pista kaya ngayon nila ginanap, pero nagta-transfer din sila sa ibang lugar," he added.

In their initial investigation, this illegal activity has been going on for quite a while now, according to the reports they have received.

Recovered from the suspects were four fighting cocks, P40,950 and 10 gaffs.

Korret said they are still investigating to identify the owner of the lot where the illegal cockfighting has been conducted. The suspects are now detained at Sibonga police station. — GAN (FREEMAN)