By Jennifer P. Rendon
Two beneficiaries of the government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP) and another companion were arrested after policemen caught them in a cockfighting match morning of April 26, 2020 in Passi City, Iloilo.
Police identified the suspects as Ruben Garnica, 58, of Barangay Tagubong, Passi City; and Jovi Pacardo, 39, and Romnick Arcosa, 24, both residents of Barangay Agtabo, Passi City.
Both Garnica and Pacardo are SAP beneficiaries.
Members of Passi City Police Station stormed Barangay Dalicanam around 11:30 a.m. Sunday after Barangay Captain Bonifacio Panes reported the cockfighting in the area.
But police managed to arrest the three suspects, as other participants quickly fled.
Recovered were three fighting cocks, P875 cash, and a Honda XRM motorcycle.
The three suspects are now detained at Passi City Police Station and will be charged for violation of President Decree 1602 as amended.
The DSWD has earlier expressed dismay over the growing number of SAP and, even, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), who were caught in illegal gambling activities.
But the DSWD said there are no specific provisions in the SAP guidelines imposing sanctions against beneficiaries who are caught gambling.
