QC police arrest 10 suspects for alleged illegal cockfighting

MANILA, Philippines — Ten suspects were arrested for allegedly holding illegal cockfighting activity on Sunday in Quezon City despite its prohibition and strict quarantine rules.

In a report on Monday, police identified the suspects as Calixto Pellazar, 48; Jonas Amper, 64; Dennis Pelendiana, 33;  Ellazar Simabanan, 43; Danny Gaffud, 35; Rodelio Cruz, 38; Sonny Edaño, 32; Jason Harold Nepomuceno, 40; Camilo Bañez, 63; and Brian Bien, 36, who were arrested during an operation conducted in Tandang Sora, Quezon City.

The operation stemmed from the tip of a confidential informant that there was an ongoing illegal cockfighting, commonly known as “tupada” in Tandang Sora.

Confiscated from the suspects were two fighting cocks, two gaffs, and bet money reaching P2,080.

The suspects were brought to the QCPD District Special Operation Unit for the filing of charges of violation of Presidential Decree No. 1602 and violation of social distancing in relation to Republic Act No. 11332.

QCPD Director Brig. Gen. Ronnie Montejo lauded the operatives of DSOU for their prompt response that resulted in the arrest of the suspects.

“Unang-una, ang tupada po ay illegal at hindi natin ito pinahihintulutan. Pangalawa, nasa panahon pa rin tayo ng pandemya kung saan may mga health protocols na kailangan sundin. Nakakalungkot lang isipin na may mga kababayan pa rin tayong pasaway sa kabila ng banta ng COVID-19. Kaya muli tayong nananawagan na sumunod po tayo sa mga ipinatutupad na mga policy ng gobyerno at ng lokal na pamahalaan,” he added.

(First of all, cock-fighting is illegal and we will not allow this. Secondly, we are in a pandemic wherein health protocols need to be followed. It is sad to know that there are still people who remain defiant despite the threat of COVID-19. That is why we are still reminding people to follow the policies of the government and local authorities.) With reports from Miggy Dumlao/Inquirer trainee

JPV