CAMPAIGN VS. ILLEGAL COCKFIGHTING. Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan in this March 5, 2020 photo. The Northern Samar provincial government said they are intensifying the enforcement of cockfighting ban following the death of a town chief of police during a raid. (Photo from FB page of Governor Ongchuan)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Northern Samar provincial government would further strengthen its enforcement of cockfighting ban following the death of a town police chief during a raid.
In a statement issued Tuesday night, Governor Edwin Ongchuan said the fight against illegal cockfighting would be relentless especially during this time of a health crisis to ensure public health and safety.
“The provincial government has banned cockfights in the province as early as August, traced to have been one source of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) transmission. Because of engaging in this illegal activity, some cockfight aficionados turned positive of Covid-19 in August. Beyond Northern Samar, the inter-agency task force prohibited the operation of cockpits, including licensed ones, nationwide as the country continued its battle against the spread of Covid-19,” Ongchuan added.
As of Tuesday night, Northern Samar has 581 Covid-19 cases, including 208 recoveries and four deaths. The province has 369 active cases.
The official issued the statement a day after Lt. Christian Bolok, chief of police of San Jose town, died during the raid in Mandugang village when he was accidentally struck by a gaffed rooster on his left thigh causing a serious injury to his femoral artery.
“We grieve with our provincial police in the loss of such a committed and selfless officer whose enforcement of our community quarantine regulations has cost him his life,” Ongchuan said.
In recognition of his service, Ongchuan announced the provincial government will be extending PHP50,000 financial assistance to his family.
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)
