Policeman, 8 others nabbed for tigbakay

Eight persons, including a policeman, were arrested after police raided a tigbakay or illegal cockfight in barangay Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City.

PO3 Artemio Tumakay allegedly led the conduct of the tigbakay in the afternoon of Nov. 1, All Saints’ Day.

Also arrested were Nestor Amodia, 43; Gabriel Aton, 48; Rolando Catadman, 47; Florencio Amores, 56; Lino Aton, 40; Domino Aton, 52; Rey Potot, 27; and Conrado Potot, 59.

The policeman, who is assigned at the Consolacion police precinct, and the other arrested persons live in the barangay.

Three fighting cocks, six metal gaffs and P400 cash were also seized during the raid.

A concerned citizen called the Marigondon police station in the morning and reported the illegal game in sitio Mahayahay.

When policemen went there, P03 Tumakay introduced himself and assured that he would have the tigbakay stopped.

Around 1 p.m., Marigondon police were told the illegal cockfight had resumed.

This time Insp. Juan Capacio, chief of the Marigondon police, sought assistance from the Special Weapons and Tactics team in raiding the illegal cockfight.

Police arrived at 1:30 p.m. and surrounded the bettors.

PO3 Tumakay faced the raiding team and explained that they were allowed to hold the cockfight since the sitio was celebrating its fiesta.

He couldn’t present any permit to prove it though.

Police said charges will be filed against PO3 Tumakay and the eight other persons on Monday