Retired cop, 7 others arrested in 'tigbakay'

CEBU, Philippines —  At least eight persons including a retired policeman were arrested for illegal cockfighting commonly known as “tigbakay” Friday night in Quijano Compound, Calamba, Cebu City.

The operation was conducted by the intelligence operatives of Cebu City Police Office.

Those arrested were identified as Eugenio Badrina, 63; Eaboy Badrina, 24; Mark Pesons, 36; Leonel Jay Escovillas, 28; Zoila delos Santos, 24; Gerald delos Santos, 24; Wilfredo Bercero, 56; and Arcelito Bantecil, 45.

Police Lt. Colonel Randy Caballes, City Intelligence Unit (CIU) chief, identified Eugenio Badrina as a retired cop assigned at Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-7 prior to his retirement.

"Amoang gipanghingusgan ang tigbakayan maong naa sad mi in-charged nga tawo sad ana nga mangita lang og mga tigbakayan, mga reports, aside sa mga walk-in complainants or reports nga moabot diri sa office about anang mga tigbakay,” Caballes told reporters yesterday.

According to Caballes, the arrested persons made a makeshift cockpit where they and some others have been holding illegal cockfights, mostly in the evening.

The makeshift cockpit has been reportedly operating for a while now.

"Unlike sa uban nga areas nga mag abot-abot lang maong dali ra kay sila, maundang ra dayun,” he added.

Currently, Caballes said they are also investigating the lot owner and his possible liability for letting such illegal activity to be conducted in his property. He, however, said that they have already a name of the possible organizer.

Further, Caballes said that they have been receiving minimal reports on illegal cockfighting now that bettors have switched to online sabong.

He added that they are now monitoring a few more physical tigbakay in other areas in the city.

Caballes said that in Cebu City they are yet to monitor the holding of the online cockfighting adding that they will be coordinating with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) for its legality. — GMR (FREEMAN)