12 people arrested for illegal cockfighting on All Souls’ Day

CEBU, Philippines — Twelve individuals were arrested for their alleged involvement in illegal cockfighting while police were conducting patrols in sitio Pangdan, Barangay Cambanay, Danao City at around 5:40 p.m. on November 2.

Danao City Police Station personnel, under the direct supervision of Police Chief PLTCOL Henrix P. Bancoleta, spotted the group during preventive patrols using motorcycles and a mobile patrol car within their area of responsibility.

The operation resulted in the arrest of the 12 individuals and the recovery of P2,300 in assorted denominations believed to be proceeds of illegal gambling, two dead fighting roosters, and two steel gaffs attached to the birds’ legs.

The arrested individuals were identified as Roldan Ramos Hermoso, 62; Gereminiano Ramos Perez, 63; Ramil Astillero Neri, 54; Oliver Rosskapp Capute Rosell, 26; Sanny Matugas Laping, 37; Marion Liego Ramos, 26; Mario Ramos Pasaje, 61; Primitivo Codino Ramos, 53; Felomino Perez Almacen, 61; Jayron David Capuyan Capute, 30; Albert Hermosilla Hermoso, 46; and Benedicto Bueno Yuson Jr., 35.

The recovered fighting roosters were described as one with red and black feathers, locally called “Boyugon,” and another with red and white feathers, known as “Lambohon.” Both had died from wounds inflicted by the gaffs.

Police also reported that one of the arrested individuals, Almacen, allegedly resisted and disobeyed a person in authority, which may subject him to a separate offense.

The 12 individuals were informed of their constitutional rights and their right to undergo medical examination. They remain under the custody of the Danao City Police Station for further investigation and proper disposition.

They may face charges for violating Presidential Decree 1602, which penalizes illegal gambling, including illegal cockfighting.

Meanwhile, a total of 518 individuals were apprehended for various violations of local ordinances during 343 operations conducted by the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) across the province on November 3 as part of its Safer Cities Initiative.

Of the total, 333 individuals were fined while 185 others were warned and released in accordance with the local laws of their respective cities and municipalities.

The operations generated a total of P190,200 in fines, with no individuals recorded as having been charged.

Traffic ordinance violations accounted for the highest number, with 333 individuals apprehended.

Also apprehended were 86 individuals for drinking alcoholic beverages in public places, 42 minors for violating curfew hours, 29 for smoking in public places, and 19 for roaming the streets without wearing shirts.

Another nine individuals were apprehended for using karaoke beyond the permitted hours.

The CPPO said the operations were part of its continuing efforts to enforce local ordinances and promote road safety, public order, and discipline in communities.

Provincial Director Police Colonel Abubakar Udang Mangelen Jr. stressed the importance of consistent and fair enforcement of local laws to promote discipline and prevent activities that could threaten public safety.

He also reiterated the CPPO’s commitment to its ABCD Guide, which stands for Abide by the Law, Build Public Trust, Commit to Integrity and Deliver Results, for professional and accountable public service.

The CPPO also urged residents to observe local ordinances and cooperate with law enforcement authorities to maintain peace and order throughout the province. — /MRM (FREEMAN)