ILOILO – Cock derbies in the municipality of Janiuay are temporarily suspended.
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) halted the operations of cockpits in the town while an investigation is ongoing into the alleged online cock derby or “bulang” there.
DILG-Iloilo director Teodora Sumagaysay also summoned Mayor Bienvenido Margarico to explain the cockfight on Nov. 13. Police authorities spotted a video camera inside the cockpit.
“We would like to request for an explanation as to the purpose of the camera inside the cockpit to be submitted within three days,” read part of DILG’s memorandum addressed to Margarico. The result of the investigation will be handed to Sumagaysay within this week.
“We are still gathering more information kag ginapadalman naton ini,” said Sumagaysay.
For his part, Margarico said: “Indi ko ya pag–i-compromise ang Janiuay tungod sa bulang.”
While not confirming the existence of online bulang, the mayor reiterated that the recent cockfight derby was legal.
The promoter was able to secure a special permit for a six-cock derby from the municipal government, he said.
“Kon may ara sila findings nga wala nagasaranto kag may violation, I will stand strongly,” Margarico said.
It was in early October when the national government’s Inter-Agency Task Force approved the resumption of cockfights through Resolution 79, Series of 2020.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. subsequently 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.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), the government’s gaming regulatory agency,
is still evaluating the legalization of streaming cockfighting events in authorized arenas.
The agency earlier said it can issue appropriate regulations to license and legitimize cockfights streamed online, as part of efforts to shore up much needed funds for the government.
For now, without PAGCOR’s nod, any online cockfighting is deemed illegal./PN
