ILOILO – The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is urging local chief executives (LCEs) of the province’s 42 towns and one component city to strictly monitor the resumption of cockfighting activities.
“Focus mainly on no live streaming of games,” stressed Teodora Sumagaysay, DILG-Iloilo director.
Sumagaysay made her appeal following reports of online cock derby or bulang in the town of Janiuay, Iloilo.
She cited DILG’s Memorandum Circular 2020-140 directed to LCEs, barangay captains and the Philippine National Police explaining the complete guidelines for the resumption of the popular bloodsport involving gamecocks.
The memo reiterated that “mayors shall be responsible in the monitoring of the re-opening of cockpits, focused mainly on no-live streaming and public exhibition of cockfight.”
Mayors should also submit monthly reports related to this to the DILG office in their area.
“We are enjoining the cooperation of our LCEs to strictly adhere to the rules so there will be smooth and orderly implementation of resumption of the operation of cockpits,” Sumagaysay said.
The national government’s Inter-Agency Task Force granted the resumption of cockfighting operations through Resolution 79, Series of 2020 signed Oct. 15.
The resolution stated that the “operation of licensed cockpits and cockfighting activities shall be allowed in areas placed under Modified General Community Quarantine, or lower, subject to strict observance of health and safety protocols.
It stressed, however, that in-person audience, online or remote betting, and the live broadcasting/telecasting of cockfights shall not be permitted.
Local government units shall also have the final decision whether the operation of cockpits and the conduct of cockfighting activities can proceed in their respective localities.
On Tuesday, Colonel Gilbert Gorero, Iloilo police provincial director, clarified that the Nov. 13 cock derby in Janiuay was legal and was not streamed online.
But Gorero noted that there was a video camera inside the cockpit arena.
Sumagaysay, for her part, said they created core group that would lead a case conference to probe the camera’s presence.
“We shared the same observation with provincial director Gorero nga may ara gid man camera didto.
Pero as to what really was the purpose of that, indi pa naton ma-establish subong,” Sumagaysay said.
On early November, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. issued a directive allowing this centuries-old Filipino pastime.
But there can be no live audiences, online or remote betting or live broadcast of cockfights.
Defensor said LGUs have the last say as to whether the operation of licensed cockpits and cockfighting can proceed in their respective localities./PN
