Seven minors are now facing robbery charges after being caught red-handed stealing high-value fighting cocks in the early hours of Monday, December 22, 2025, in Liloan, Cebu.
Dawn Raid on a Poultry Farm
The incident unfolded around 3:45 AM in Purok Saging, Sityo Lower Maylaw, Barangay Lataban. The suspects allegedly stole three manok igtatari (fighting cocks) valued at P12,000 each, totaling P36,000, from the farm of complainant Bernardo Bati Antogop Jr., a 40-year-old resident of Poblacion, Liloan.
Barangay Patrol Leads to Capture
The group's activities were intercepted by roving barangay tanod (watchmen) from Barangay Tayud, leading to their immediate apprehension. Authorities successfully recovered the three stolen roosters and two motorcycles used by the suspects during the operation.
The arrested individuals were identified by their aliases and ages:
- Nowie, 16
- Johnny, 15
- Niño, 16
- Dexter, 15
- Junjun, 15
- Juryl, 16
- Dario (adult age)
All are residents of Barangay Tayud, except for Junjun, who hails from Sityo Landing, Barangay Catarman in the same municipality.
Confession of a Repeat 'Manok Gang'
According to Police Executive Master Sergeant Eutiquio Prosia, the investigating officer at Liloan Police Station, one suspect initially fled but was later captured in a follow-up operation. The officer revealed that this was not the group's first offense.
"They admitted that they operate as a group to steal fighting cocks. They did not reveal their group's name, but we can call them the 'Manok Gang' because this is their specialty," stated PEMS Prosia. He confirmed that the same teenagers had previously stolen chickens from the victim's farm but were only caught this time.
The seven alleged thieves were formally charged with robbery on Tuesday afternoon, December 23, 2025, marking a swift legal response to the agricultural theft.
