CEBU, Philippines — Three elected officials from Poro town, Camotes Island, and an employee of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Central Visayas were among the 55 arrested during an anti-illegal cockfighting operation Monday evening.
The arrest was made by the operatives of Cebu Provincial Intelligence Unit at the Gallera de Lagnasan in Barangay Esperanza, Poro town. Police identified the elected officials as Poro town Councilors Ashley Otadoy,54; and Andrew Zurita, 38; and Barangay Mercedes councilman Dennis Camomot, 48. Also arrested was Cliff Otadoy, 52, an employee of DILG-7.
CPPO director Police Colonel Engelbert Soriano said the suspects are temporarily detained at the Poro Police Station. They will be charged for Violation of PD 449 “Tigbakay” as amended by PD 1602 or illegal gambling law.
Mayor Edgar Rama said that while the municipality had allowed selected cockfighting activities to resume, the one raided by the PIU operatives did not have a permit from his office.
Asked what actions he will take against the arrested officials, Rama said he will wait for DILG’s recommendation.
"Sa akong tan-aw mag hulat ko sa recommendation sa DILG if naay violation nga na commit sa atong elected officials then ang balaod gyud ang matuman," Rama told The Freeman.
Vice Mayor Luciano Rama has condemned the acts of the town councilors and vowed to apply the full force of the law. As presiding officer of the Municipal Council, the vice mayor has administrative supervision over the members of the council.
"Personally, in my own opinion, the full force of the law should be applied to them. Dapat official ka di ka mag apil-apil og sugal sugal," Vice Mayor Rama said.
"Abuso man na ba, nag-abuso man na sila. Pagtoo gud nila nga wala na lang gyud mobadlong nila. Naay nakasumbong siguro, gitinood na gyud. It's been going on for months na," he added.
Mayor Rama said he already directed the town police chief to stop the operation of the cockpit. The order was based on the memorandum from DILG-7 director Leocadio Trovela dated April 8, 2021 suspending the operation of cockfighting entertainment venues, fairs/peryas, and amusement industries in areas under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ).
The memorandum, however, has exempted the e-sabong licensed and regulated by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Operations.— Le Phyllis F. Antojado, FPL (FREEMAN)