5 arrested for holding illegal cockfight in Leyte amid GCQ

TACLOBAN CITY – Five men, including a seafarer, were arrested in Carigara town, Leyte for holding an illegal cockfight or “tupada” which is among the activities prohibited under the general community quarantine (GCQ) in this town on Saturday, May 2.

Arrested by the local police and personnel of the Regional Anti-Illegal Gambling Task Force were Mark Anthony Madejas, 30, a seafarer; Rodolfo Dollete, 38, a construction worker; Romulo Agonons, 49, a businessman; Lerio Obaob, 37; and his brother Leo, 39.

Based on the report reaching the headquarters of the Eastern Visayas police based in Palo town, also in Leyte, the five suspects along with others who managed to elude arrest were on a vacant lot in Barangay Naugisan to engage in a cockfighting activity about 3:50 p.m.

Illegal cockfight or tupada is prohibited under the GCQ imposed amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Seized from the suspects were 10 fighting cocks, bet money amounting to P2,430, as well as vehicles and motorcycles owned by the violators.

The suspects and the confiscated items were brought to the Carigara Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.

The five suspects will be charged for violation of Presidential Decree 449 which bans cockfighting activities.