DILG warns anew on illegal cockfights
It may be the favorite pasttime and choiced fundraising project of Filipinos in general and Ilonggos in particular, yet minus government-prescribed requirements, cockfighting is a big no-no.
And this, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional office 6 stresses anew in the wake of a deadly cockfighting event in one Iloilo town.
Heard over Bombo Radyo Iloilo, DILG Legal Officer Ferdinand Panes said the department is fed up over the blatant violation committed in the barangays. Specifically, Iloilo barangays too.
Panes said it has repeatedly issued guidelines on the matter yet the fact remains, illegal cockfights are still happening here.
The DILG's attention was called following the cockfight-related death of Purog, Dueñas Barangay Captain Sergio Pelopero, president of the Association of Barangay Captains in said town. A melee and shoot-out occurred that took Pelopero's life and yet another victim while a third man involved was seriously injured.
The coliseum/ cockfight venue in Catig, Lacadon, Dueñas was turned into a crime scene. Authorities have since identified the suspects as Jose Tammy Abordaje of Binabaan Portigo, Lambunao, Iloilo and brother-in-law Arnel Pula of Agusipan, Badiangan.
The Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO) and Dueñas Mayor Robert Martin Pama similarly issued statements the event held Holy Friday was illegal.
Panes for his part added that the DILG was not remiss in its persistent and continuing reminder to barangay and other government officials against illegal cockfighting events.
Presidential Decree 449 otherwise known as the Cockfighting Law of 1974 is clear on its provisions that regulates the holding of such particularly by government groups.