GAPAN CITY – Fifteen people, including a retired military officer, were arrested over alleged illegal cockfighting, amidst strict health protocols at a residential compound in Barangay Pambuan here at about 12:15 p.m. Sunday.
Police identified the retired military officer as Mateo Rayo, resident of the said village. The other suspects, all of the said barangay, were Mario Valadad, 64, who reportedly operates the cockfighting in his compound; Wilson Sugaton, 59; Reynaldo Rayo, 40; Juanito Manzon, 55; Alvin Montemayor, 20; Emiliano Rayo, 74; Cornelio Rayo, 45; Deogracias Viray, 60, a retired government employee; Jaime Tinio, 59; Alvin Marquez, 39; and Freddie Constantino, 47.
City police chief, Lt. Col. Alexie Desamito said in her report to Nueva Ecija police director Col. Jess Mendez.
In her report to Nueva Ecija police director Col. Jess Mendez, city police chief Lt. Col. Alexie Desamito said the suspects “were caught in the act while engaging in illegal cock fighting activities.”
Among the recovered evidence, she said, were three live and one dead fighting cocks, bet money amounting to P3,340 and one piece of gaff.
The suspects were brought to police station for investigation and proper disposition and are now facing criminal complaint for violation of Presidential Decree 1602 or Illegal gambling, police said.
