IN THE NAME OF SERVICE. Lt. Christian Bolok, officer-in-charge of the San Jose municipal police station in Northern Samar. He died while leading a raid on an illegal cockfighting session in San Jose town on Monday (Oct. 26, 2020). (Photo courtesy of Northern Samar police)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine National Police (PNP) expressed grief over the death of a police officer while raiding an illegal cockfighting session in San Jose, Northern Samar on Monday.
Lt. Christian Bolok, officer-in-charge of the San Jose municipal police station, died during the raid in Mandugang village when struck by a gaffed rooster on his left thigh causing a serious injury to his femoral artery.
He was rushed to the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital and was declared dead on arrival.
“I have a heavy heart as we have lost a brother who sacrificed his own life in the name of service. The PNP grieves the untimely death of Lt. Bolok and extends its deepest sympathy to his family and relatives,” Northern Samar police provincial director Arnel Apud said in a statement sent to reporters late Monday night.
Acting on reports from concerned residents, the police launched the raid at 1:20 p.m., leading to the arrest of three men engaged in illegal cockfighting while others scampered in different directions.
Bolok was hit by the gaff -- razor-sharp steel blade attached to the leg of a rooster -- while confiscating the bird.
Aside from the three arrested individuals, policemen also identified three other violators who remain at large. The team also confiscated seven fighting cocks, two sets of gaff, and PHP550 bet money.
Earlier, the Northern Samar provincial government has issued a stern warning against illegal cockfighting after four aficionados tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Governor Edwin Ongchuan reiterated his directive to the local police to arrest those involved in this illicit activity, known as “tupada”, regardless of their economic status.
The official issued the statement after four “tupada” aficionados were exposed to the infection when they participated in the illegal activity on August 23 to 25 in Bobon town in Northern Samar.
Cockfighting is regulated under Presidential Decree No. 449 signed on May 9, 1974. Before the health crisis, the activity was allowed only in licensed cockpits during Sundays and legal holidays and during local fiestas for not more than three days. (PNA)
