Fighting cock kills handler with a slash in the groin

ZAMBOANGA CITY — A rooster about to be set loose for a bout in a crowded cockfighting arena attacked its handler with the razor-sharp steel spurs strapped to its legs, killing the stunned man, police said yesterday.

The gaffs hit the man’s thigh and groin as the fighting cock made one rapid shuffle, causing him to bleed profusely Sunday before a large crowd of shocked spectators, police investigator Johnny Muhajil said.

Elmer Mariano, 24, was pronounced dead on arrival at a local hospital.

Police probers disclosed that the incident occurred about 4:20 p.m. at the Square Garden Cockpit center in Barangay Sinunuc when Mariano was getting his fowl ready for a big fight.

The victim was reportedly using a "kicker" or dummy cock to warm up the rooster.

"The victim did not notice that the scabbard of the blade was accidentally removed when the cock attacked the dummy and it (the blade) accidentally hit his groin," according to the policeman on duty, a certain PO2 Hajan.

It was not known whether the fiery fowl still fought in the derby after the deadly incident, police added.

Cockfighting is an extremely popular gambling sport in the Philippines, especially in rural areas. — Roel Pareño