DILG-7 confirms an officer nabbed in illegal cockfight

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Central Visayas has warned their employees not to violate community quarantine regulations.

This after one of its employees was reportedly among the 55 individuals caught engaging in illegal cockfighting in Poro town, Camotes Island.

The employee was identified as Cliff Otadoy, whom the DILG-7 confirmed to be their field officer in Poro.

"After initial verification, we confirm that the said person is currently employed and is serving as our field officer in Poro, Camotes," DILG-Central Visayas said in a statement.

Upon receiving the report, DILG-7 Director Leocadio Trovela directed its provincial office in Cebu to "look into the matter" and submit a report.

"Without preempting the investigation and while affording him due process, let this be a stern warning to our employees and field officers that we will never tolerate any transgression by them of our community health regulations and existing IATF policies as we seriously deal with this health crisis," DILG-7 said.

Aside from the DILG employee, also caught during the operation were the two town councilors of Poro identified as Ashley Otadoy and Andrew Zurita, and Barangay Mercedes councilman Dennis Camomot.

DILG-7 said "let the process and law take their course" on what happened.

The agency also reminded the local officials that the issued memorandum dated April 8, 2021 on suspension of cockfighting operations should be strictly implemented. — GMR (FREEMAN)