Licensed cockpits now allowed to operate in Ilocos Norte

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte––The Ilocos Norte government has permitted the operation of cockpits and cockfighting activities for the first time after more than two years since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

An executive order issued Sunday by Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc allows the operation of licensed cockpits and the conduct of traditional cockfighting activities while the province is under COVID-19 Alert Level 1 or 2. Ilocos Norte has eased back to Alert Level 2.

Manotoc cited in his order memorandum circular 2022-003 of the Department of the Interior and Local Government giving the local government units the discretion to allow the operation of licensed cockpits.

He said only one licensed cockpit would be allowed to operate per town or city, and standard minimum public health standards set by the Department of Health should be strictly followed. Only Ilocos Norte residents are allowed to enter the cockpit venues.

Manotoc said only one day in a week would be designated as “cockfighting day” from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in every town or city, adding that venue capacity must be limited to 50-percent.

All cockpits are also required to have a “health desk” to inspect vaccination cards and conduct medical triage, said Manotoc.

Only individuals fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can enter the cockpits. They must not be under 18 years old, not ill, not pregnant, and have no COVID-19 symptoms, said the governor.

Manotoc also prohibited the live streaming of traditional cockfights.

“Betting shall be cashless and shall use technology-based platforms only,” the governor said. INQ

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