Cebu City to boost campaign versus ‘tigbakay’

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City government is set to intensify its campaign against “tigbakay” or illegal cockfighting in barangays.

City Councilor Phillip Zafra, City Council’s peace and order committee chairman, said they have been receiving reports about the holding of illegal cockfighting activities in different interior parts of some barangays in the city.

He warned the tigbakay aficionados to stop engaging in illegal cockfighting, otherwise they will face appropriate charges.

Illegal cockfighting is prohibited under Presidential Decree 1602, which prescribes penalties for illegal gambling.

Zafra said will coordinate with the Cebu City Police Office and Task Force Kasaligan for the strict enforcement of the campaign.

Tigbakay usually draws large crowd, which is disallowed at present due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Mohangyo ta sa katawhan nga undangon na nato ang mga tapok-tapok ilabi na kanang tigbakay.  Nagkinahanglan intawn ta sa inyong kooperasyon aron dili mosamot og saka ang kaso sa COVID,” Zafra said.

Zafra reminded city residents to remain vigilant and avoid visiting crowded places.

“Kun naay tapok-tapok , naa pud ang dakong posibilidad sa transmission sa virus,” he said.

He also appealed to the public to continue following the health protocols to help the government in containing the further spread of the virus. — KQD (FREEMAN)