DILG-Iloilo battles vs illegal cockfights

ILOILO CITY , Philippines  â€” The Department Interior and Local Government here warned barangay officials from engaging themselves into traditional cockfighting derbies or locally-known as "bulang," especially during barrio fiestas.

DILG-Iloilo Director Teodora Sumagaysay said they already received several reports from far-flung villages in the province, particularly in Anilao, regarding this illegal derby and that they are not tolerating this kind of activity.

She said they are now investigating the case.

Under Presidential Decree 449, known as the Cockfighting Law of 1974, Sumagaysay said cockfighting derby outside the authorized cockpit arenas is illegal and any responsible person is liable for a criminal offense.

Sumagaysay emphasized the Section 5 (d) which says "except as provided in this decree, cockfighting shall be allowed only in licensed cockpits during Sundays and legal holidays and during local fiestas for not more than three days."

"It may also be held during provincial, city or municipal, agricultural, commercial or industrial fair, carnival or exposition for a similar period of three days upon resolution of the province, city or municipality where such fair, carnival or exposition is to be held, subject to the approval of the Chief of Constabulary or his authorized representative."

Also, no cockfighting on the occasion of such fair, carnival or exposition shall be allowed within the month of a local fiesta or for more than two occasions a year in the same city or municipality.

It also provides that no cockfighting shall be held on December 30 (Rizal Day), June 12 (Philippine Independence Day), November 30 (National Heroes Day), Holy Thursday, Good Friday, election or referendum day and during registration days for such election or referendum.

The director added that both criminal and administrative charges could be charged for barangay officials who will be caught organizing derbies.

"Aside from imprisonment, liable public official may be suspended or remove from the service depend upon on the ground," she said.

Meanwhile, Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. has declared an "all-out-war" against cockfighting derbies.

Cock derbies are already an Ilonggo tradition during barrio fiestas but Defensor emphasized that cockfighting derbies should be done in licensed cockfighting coliseum and whatever game outside the arenas are all considered illegal.

He said that whoever managed the illegal games either facilitated by barangay officials or any local government unit should not be tolerated.

"I have standing order to our policemen to arrest those persons violating our existing law," he said.

In Iloilo City, during the first term of City Councilor Lyndon Acap in 2008, a resolution legalizing cock derby in 180 barangays but only during their fiesta was passed.

After the fiesta, any cock derby game is not allowed anymore. (FREEMAN)