A TRAGIC incident unfolded in a cockpit in Marikina City, where blood flowed not from the fighting cocks, but from a man who was attacked by the very fighting cock he was releasing.
The victim, identified as “Ruel,” 42 years old, had a sideline of releasing cocks in the cockpit for extra income.
Ruel’s companion, Andoy Castor, shared that they could earn up to P1,000 in commission for releasing cocks, a significant contribution to Ruel’s family, especially with his sick mother.
Ruel didn’t own fighting cocks himself, but often released those belonging to his neighbor, Sonny Vargas, including a particularly brave “talisain” cock.
Sonny explained that Ruel was the only one who could calm the aggressive bird. Ruel’s skills in handling the cock had even led to several victories for Sonny, as there is a belief among cockfighters that a winning cock should be handled by the same person for subsequent fights.
The incident occurred in June during one such fight. Confident in their bet, Ruel released the cock, but instead of facing the opponent, the bird turned on him, striking his leg with its sharp gaff. The blow severed a vein, causing severe and uncontrollable bleeding.
“The blood wouldn’t stop. It reached his finger and then hit his thigh. It was really severed, that’s why there was so much blood,” Castor recounted. Despite Ruel’s critical condition, the cockfight continued, as no one else could handle the birds. Tragically, Ruel’s own cock was also killed in the fight.
With Ruel losing consciousness and covered in blood, his companions rushed him to the hospital, but it was too late. He succumbed to his injuries, a stark reminder of the dangers associated with cockfighting and the need for greater safety measures.
