FERROL, Romblon Mayor Jovencio Li Mayor Jr, and at least 200 persons were arrested in a raid at a cockfighting arena in Ferrol, Romblon.
Combined operatives of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, the Ferrol Municipal Police Station and the Romblon Provincial Police Mobile Force Company raided the Tubigon Square Garden after receiving reports that cockfighting is being held in the establishment in Ferrol municipality, which is a violation of COVID Alert Level 3 rules that prohibits the game.
Romblon is under Alert Level 3.
“This is a clear violation of IATF Resolution 159-A, Series of 2022 and Presidential Decree 449 or the Cockfighting Law of 1974 as amended by Presidential Decree 1602.
All persons engaged in the cockfight were arrested and booked,” Carlos said.
Carlos expressed dismay that an elected official was among the arrested violators.
“It is unfortunate that an elected official was among the arrested violators but we are just acting on reports with careful monitoring.
It will be up for the prosecutor to appreciate the evidence,” Carlos said.
Recovered during the raid were cash bets, gambling paraphernalia and several dead and live fighting cocks with attached gaffs.
The PNP chief said necessary documents are being prepared by the local police for the filing of charges against the mayor and the rest of the arrested “sabungeros.”
