By I. Inojales | 12:06 PM April 03, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — The Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) intensified its campaign against illegal gambling, arresting 13 individuals in a series of anti-cockfighting operations conducted on Maundy Thursday, April 2, 2026, despite the observance of Holy Week.
Led by Provincial Director Patricio Degay Jr., the BPPO carried out coordinated operations across several municipalities, targeting illegal cockfighting activities, locally known as tigbakay.
Authorities said the arrests were made in Dauis, Guindulman, Calape, Sagbayan, Clarin, and Getafe, following intensified monitoring and reports of ongoing illegal gambling activities.
In Dauis, three men aged 62, 39, and 75 were arrested in Barangay Tinago while allegedly engaged in illegal cockfighting. Police seized three fighting cocks, gaffs, cockfighting paraphernalia, and P250 in betting money.
In Guindulman, two men aged 61 and 29 were apprehended in Sitio Tawid, Barangay Mayuga.
Authorities recovered two fighting cocks, gaffs, and P500 in bet money.
In Calape, three men aged 43, 51, and 69 were caught in the act in Barangay Camias, where police confiscated two fighting cocks—one dead and one injured—along with gaffs and P600 in bets.
Meanwhile, two individuals aged 48 and 52 were arrested in Sagbayan, where authorities recovered two fighting cocks, including one dead and one dying, along with complete cockfighting paraphernalia and P1,000 in betting money.
In Clarin, a 31-year-old man was arrested in Barangay Nahawan, with police seizing two fighting cocks, gaffs, and P500 in bets.
In Getafe, two men aged 52 and 46 were caught in Barangay Pandanon, where police confiscated a fighting cock with a gaff and P400 in betting money.
All arrested individuals are now in police custody and will face charges for violating Presidential Decree No. 449.
Authorities said the operations demonstrate the BPPO’s continued commitment to curb illegal gambling activities in the province, even during significant religious observances.
Police added that similar operations will continue as part of efforts to maintain peace and order across Bohol.
