Captain, 53 others sued for ‘tigbakay’

CEBU, Philippines —  The barangay captain of Kal-anan, Tabogon, Cebu was among the more than 50 persons charged for illegal cockfighting, commonly known as 'tigbakay,' last Saturday.

"Yes we already filed the case against doon sa 53 persons, as well as doon sa tatlong tao na nagpasimuno noong tigbakay, as well as the barangay chairman," said Cebu Provincial Police Office Director Roderick Mariano.

Quoting the statement of the residents in the area, Mariano said the illegal gambling has been going on for a while now, despite the Cebu province being placed under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

Mariano said that it is impossible for the barangay chairman, Herberto Lobitaña, not to have any idea that an illegal activity has been happening under his jurisdiction.

"Alam naman natin na may kakulangan talaga yung kapulisan natin.  We cannot (monitor) sa lahat ng mga barangay at sitio yung kapulisan natin dahil kulang talaga.  It's the responsibility of the barangay officials na if there is a violation ng quarantine guidelines then they should report it to us, the authorities," he added.

Mariano added that when the illegal cockfighting was reported by a concerned citizen, the police responded immediately that led to the arrest of the 53 participants.

"Marami na tayong barangay chairman na nahuli, sa South, sa Dumanjug, lahat yun ay nabalita.  We keep on reminding, we keep on telling our barangay officials to help us sa ating mga quarantine guidelines," Mariano said.

He added that the incident should serve as a warning to barangay officials who allow any illegal activity.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Randy Korret said they have discovered the activity during their contact tracing of the police personnel infected with the virus.

They are now facing charges for violation of Presidential Decree 1602 and for violation against the GCQ protocol of social distancing and not wearing masks.  GAN (FREEMAN)