DILG sets strict cockfighting protocols

CEBU, Philippines —  The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is imposing strict guidelines for the resumption of cockfighting activities in areas under the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) or lower quarantine status.

DILG was tasked by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to implement guidelines on safety and health protocols with regard to the resumption of operation of licensed cockpits and the conduct of cockfighting activities.

This came on the heels of IATF’s approval of the resumption of

cockfighting operations in areas under MGCQ along with the off-track horse racing betting stations and a beach volleyball bubble.

DILG Memorandum Circular 2020-140 signed by Health Secretary Eduardo Año provides the health protocols, including the wearing of face masks and face shields at all times, in cockpits.

The memo also states that temperatures should be mandatory before entering inside the arena.  Those with fever or other symptoms of COVID-19 are barred from entering the cockpit.

Masks with vents are not allowed while cloth masks should have an additional filter as tissue paper or similar materials. Also, face shields should be full-faced, not the visor-type shields.

Physical distancing will also have to be observed.

In line with this, only a maximum of three persons are allowed inside the ring or ruweda and only four owners and one handler for each owner allowed outside the ring.

Frequent handwashing with soap and water or alcohol-based disinfectants are also made mandatory along with foot and wheels back sanitation. Visual cues and signages to proper handwashing are also being made mandatory.

Adequate ventilation should also be enforced, according to the memo. Natural air flow exchange is highly encouraged along with exhaust fans and air filtration devices with high efficiency particulate air filters.

No shouting of bets is allowed and cashless betting via e-wallet, mobile gadgets are also encouraged.

Aside from having no live audience allowed, no online or remote betting and live streaming/broadcasting/telecast of ongoing cockfighting is allowed.

“Failure to comply with this memorandum circular shall result to the automatic closure of cockpits and the officials and employees shall be dealt with in accordance with pertinent laws, rules and regulations,” part of the memo states.

The memo was already released to the local government units and other concerned agencies.

Although already given a go by the IATF and DILG, the LGU still has the final say on allowing the operation of licensed cockpits anew.

The mayors of different LGUs will then be responsible in monitoring of the reopening of cockpits and will have to submit monthly reports to their respective DILG regional offices.

In Cebu City, it’s gamefowl commission have already been formed.

The CCGC is composed of City councilor Raymond Alvin Garcia as chairman along with former councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover, lawyer Bienvenido Mabanto Jr., Jonil Matuguina of the Department of Social Welfare and Services, Manny Pepito, retired General Eddie Benigay and Ronald Labitad.

During its oath-taking ceremony at the Mayor’s Office, Mayor Edgardo Labella said the commission is responsible for the formulation of guidelines on the reopening of licensed cockpits here. — KQD (FREEMAN)