By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – Police arrested 78 individuals, including a minor and a former barangay official after they were caught engaging in illegal cockfighting at Hacienda Ma. Jose, Barangay San Isidro, E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental last Sunday.
Police Captain Eric Doronilla, town police chief, identified the barangay official as former Kagawad Noli Nene, 46, of Barangay 6, Victorias City.
Doronilla said they responded to a report from a concerned citizen about the illegal cockfight in the area.
Doronilla said these individuals were not allowed to hold a cock derby because mass gathering is still prohibited amid the pandemic.
“Indi sila authorized that’s why illegal,” he added.
Police recovered from them two wounded fighting cocks, six live fighting cocks, six dead fighting cocks, a gaff, two pairs of scissors, paper, and P2,000 cash.
Doronilla said the derby was held in an improvised structure. Some of the aficionados came from the cities of Silay and Victorias.
“May mga nangayaw pa from Silay and Victorias City para mag bulang,” he added.
Doronilla said the arrested individuals were detained at the multi-purpose hall near the police station since the station’s custodial facility could not accommodate them all.
Charges for illegal gambling and violation of the health protocols will be filed against them as 90 percent of them were not wearing face masks during the gathering.
Meanwhile, Doronilla said the minor was released and turned over to his parents.
