Drug cop arrested for holding ‘tupada’ in Pasig

MANILA, Philippines – A policeman allegedly holding an illegal cockfight has been arrested by the anti-scalawag unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Santolan, Pasig City.

The PNP identified the suspect as Police Staff Sergeant Jose Francisco Cabuso of the Eastern Police District’s (EPD) drug enforcement unit.

Cabuso, along with 17 others, were apprehended last Sunday by agents of the PNP Integrity Monitoring Enforcement Group (PNP-IMEG) during a raid launched by different police divisions inside the Cabuso’s compound.

They were found engaging in “tupada” (illegal cockfight) as well as violating the quarantine rules such as social distancing and the wearing of face masks.

During the raid, authorities seized gaffs or “tari” along with cash bets and several fighting cocks.

“The area was placed under surveillance and was raided when our agents confirmed the ‘tupada’ game taking place right inside the EPD policeman’s compound,” PNP IMEG chief Brig. Gen. Ronald Lee said.

The 18 suspects were brought to the PNP-IMEG headquarters in Camp Crame for documentation and filing of criminal charges. Cabuso will also face additional administrative charges from the PNP. – Jim Mendoza, trainee