COCKFIGHTING. A road signage points to one of two cockpit arenas in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato. Cockpit rings have been given the green light to resume operations by the local government on Thursday (Oct. 29, 2020) as long as they comply with permit requirements and observe minimum health protocols against the coronavirus disease. (Photo by PNA Cotabato)
KIDAPAWAN CITY--The city government approved on Thursday the resumption of cockfighting activities at licensed cockpits, but with emphasis on full compliance with the minimum health protocols.
In a statement, the city government said cockfighting arena owners must secure all the requirements and observe basic health protocols related to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
The requirements include the business permit and operator’s franchise, installation of closed-circuit security cameras, the wearing of face masks and face shields by aficionados, thermal scanning and disinfection protocol, and safe physical distancing.
“Aficionados are only allowed to occupy 30 percent of the cockfighting venue,” the city information office (CIO) said.
The local government unit (LGU) said it would also prohibit the use of smartphones and any devices that could transmit live streaming of the cockfight via social media.
“Loud calling of bets before each fight and liquors are also strictly prohibited at cockfighting venues, including its immediate environs,” the statement added.
In addition, the LGU said all cockfighting enthusiasts who wish to enter the arena must register with the Electronic Pass System through the LGU’s coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) Compliance Monitoring Team to secure a QR Code for contact tracing purposes.
Earlier, the National Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases authorized LGUs under the Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) to decide whether licensed cockpits can resume operations in their jurisdictions.
This city, which is currently under the MGCQ, has two licensed cockpit rings: the Gavnema Cockpit Arena in Barangay Mateo and the New Kidapawan Cockpit Arena in Barangay Kalaisan. (PNA)
