Village dad chargedfor leading tigbakay

CEBU, Philippines —  A barangay councilman in Barangay Luhod, Barili, Cebu, who also stands as the village's chairman on peace and order, is facing a criminal charge after he was pointed to as the organizer of an illegal cockfighting or tigbakay last Sunday.

The barangay councilman, who managed to elude arrest during the operation that day at Sitio Caimito, was identified as Vergilio Tubilan.

Police Master Sergeant Mark Anthony Fat of the Barili Police Station said some witnesses pointed to Tubilan as the organizer of the illegal activity.

Fat said it was around 12:40 p.m. when a concerned citizen called the police station that an illegal cockfighting was being held in the area. The station's personnel immediately responded and went to the area.

However, when those joining the tigbakay noticed the approaching policemen, they immediately scampered to the different directions from the improvised cockfighting arena that they have made.

The police were able to confiscate two fighting cocks, one of which already dead.

“Siyay nagpasiugda jud. The barangay official has eluded the arrest as he was able to run away upon the arrival of the PNP personnel. Nagtapok-tapok rani sila, nagtigbakay nya naa may concerned citizen nitawag namo diri. Mag abot-abot ra gyud ni sila, na timingan ra gud sila nga nabantayan dayon nila ang mga police,” he added.

A criminal charge for violation of PD 1602 was filed against Tubilan yesterday.

“Sila man gyud unta ang mag-(head) sa peace and order, ila unta badlungon ang mga tari-tari dira.  Sila naman nuon magpasiugda hinuon,” said Tubilan. — GAN (FREEMAN)