The Philippine National Police (PNP) issued an order suspending all cockfighting activity across the country for one month due to ongoing concerns surrounding the coronavirus disease, of Covid-19. According to Resolution No. 11, Series of 2020, the suspension comes as the alert level was raised to Code Red Sub-Level 2.
Police Regional Office-6 spokesperson, Police Lt. Colonel Joem Malong, confirmed regional offices have addressed the directive.
“We are only following the command guidance from our PNP chief,” the regional official stated. “No sabong, or cockfighting, nationwide for a period of one month, [effective] March 13.”
The order also noted: “All offices and unit commanders are directed to coordinate with the local government unit in their respective area of assignment for the temporary suspension on the issuance of permits to operate cockfighting;” along with intensifying law enforcement against promoters, bettors, and personnel engaged in the activity.
“We discourage people to avoid promoting cockfights because it’s also a gathering of people from different areas,” Malong pointed out.
She added, those found in violation of the order will be charged in violation of Presidential Decree No. 1602, signed in 1978 by then-President Ferdinand Marcos, which implemented stiffer penalties on illegal gambling./WDJ