The provincial government of Northern Samar will further strengthen its enforcement of the ban on cockfighting following the death of a town police chief during a raid.
Governor Edwin Ongchuan said the fight against illegal cockfighting will be relentless especially during this time of a health crisis to ensure public health and safety.
“The provincial government has banned cockfights in the province as early as August, after these were traced as sources of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission. Because of their engagement in this illegal activity, some cockfighting aficionados turned positive for COVID-19 in August,” Ongchuan stressed.
“Beyond Northern Samar, the inter-agency task force prohibited the operation of cockpits, including licensed ones, nationwide as the country continued its battle against the spread of COVID-19.”
“Beyond Northern Samar, the inter-agency task force prohibited the operation of cockpits, including licensed ones, nationwide as the country continued its battle against the spread of COVID-19,” the governor added.
As of Oct. 27, Northern Samar has 581 Covid-19 cases, including 208 recoveries and four deaths. The province has 369 active cases.
“We grieve with our provincial police in the loss of such a committed and selfless officer whose enforcement of our community quarantine regulations has cost him his life.”
He issued the statement a day after Lt. Christian Bolok, chief of police of San Jose town, died during the raid in Mandugang village when he was accidentally struck by a gaffed fighting cock in his left thigh causing a serious injury to his femoral artery.
“We grieve with our provincial police in the loss of such a committed and selfless officer whose enforcement of our community quarantine regulations has cost him his life,” Ongchuan said.
In recognition of Bolok’s service, the governor announced the provincial government will be extending P50,000 financial assistance to his family.
Cockfighting is regulated under Presidential Decree No. 449 signed on May 9, 1974.
Before the health crisis, the activity was allowed only in licensed cockpits during Sundays and legal holidays and during local fiestas for not more than three days.