CPPO intensifies drive against illegal gambling

CEBU, Philippines —  At least 20 individuals on the average are arrested in Cebu Province every week for illegal cockfighting.

Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) director Col. Engelbert Soriano said they have intensified their operations against illegal cockfighting, commonly known as “tigbakay”, in the towns and component cities after major restrictions have been lifted.

Soriano said that cockfighting aficionados are no longer afraid to organize cockfighting events since the protocols have been eased.

He warned those involved in “tigbakay” that police operations will continue and no one will be spared.

"Kahit po kasama namin inaaresto namin, minsan barangay official," said Soriano.

Soriano said they expect more of this illegal gambling in the far-flung barangays when the province will be placed under Alert Level 1.  Cebu Province is currently under Alert Level 2.

"Kasi hindi na masyado natatakot yung mga tao, but we will sustain our campaign against tigbakay…hindi kami bumababa sa 20 na arrest kada week," said Soriano.

According to Soriano, their challenge is how to locate the areas where “tigbakay” are being held because these are mostly conducted in the mountain barangays.

He added that the illegal gamblers are also familiar with the police officers in their area making it difficult for the local law enforcers to operate without getting burned out.

"So ang local police kilala na kasi nila, so yun ang disadvantage, so once in a while nag i-strike yung ating provincial intelligence branch at provincial mobile force company," said Soriano.

Since March 28 to April 3, CPPO conducted a total of 11 operations against all forms of illegal gambling, tigbakay included, resulting in the arrest of 29 individuals. — FPL (FREEMAN)