Six Men Face Prison Instead of Fiesta Feast After Illegal Cockfighting Arrest in Camotes
Instead of enjoying delicious food during a local fiesta, six men found themselves behind cold prison bars after being caught red-handed in an illegal cockfighting operation. The incident occurred on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at around noon in Sityo Bogo, Barangay Consuelo, in the city of San Francisco on Camotes Island.
Police Action Based on Tip-Off Leads to Apprehension
According to Police Staff Sgt. Elijah Pareja, an investigator from the San Francisco Police Station, authorities received crucial information from a concerned citizen regarding a gathering of gamblers in the area. Upon arrival, the police witnessed the suspects attempting to flee, but six individuals were unable to escape capture.
The arrested men have been identified using their aliases: Win, 45 years old; Molong, 67; Leo, 61; Le, 46; Aye, 33; and Makmak, 19. They are currently in police custody, facing serious legal consequences for their actions.
Evidence Seized Includes Fighting Cocks and Gambling Money
During the operation, law enforcement officers confiscated several items from the scene. These included one fighting cock that was restrained, two live roosters intended for cockfighting, two blades used in the activity, and P1,100 in cash believed to be stakes from the illegal gambling.
The seizure of these items provides tangible evidence supporting the charges against the suspects, highlighting the organized nature of the operation.
Charges Filed Under Presidential Decree 1602
The suspects are set to be charged with violations of Presidential Decree 1602, which specifically prohibits illegal cockfighting and related gambling activities in the Philippines. This decree imposes strict penalties, including imprisonment and fines, to deter such unlawful practices.
This arrest serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts by Philippine authorities to combat illegal gambling, especially in rural areas where such activities might be more prevalent during community events like fiestas.
The case underscores the importance of community vigilance, as the tip from a concerned citizen played a pivotal role in the successful police intervention. Authorities continue to encourage the public to report suspicious activities to help maintain law and order.
