GAPAN CITY – At least 13 “sabungeros” were collared while engaged in “tupada” (cockfighting) operations in a residential compound in this city on Sunday afternoon.

City police head Lt. Col. Alexie Desamito said the 13 suspects were rounded up during a lightning raid conducted by joint operatives of the Gapan police, 303rd Maneuver Company, RMFB3, and the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company in Bgy. Maburak at 11:30 a.m.

Nabbed were the alleged “tupada” operator identified as Romeo Angeles, 63, and the 12 other suspects – Guilbert Cervantes, 46; Edwin Antonio, 37; Jerry Sacro, 52; Ildefonso Ganay, 48; Teodoro Dimalanta, 61; Jesus Angeles, 63; Rolando Leonardo, 54; Estanislao De Guzman, 71; Montano Concepcio, 61; John Michael Vincent Torres, 21; Christopher Guantic, 44; and Nelson Mabilin, 48, all of this city.

Recovered during the raid were 3 live fighting cocks, 2 pieces of gaffs (tari), and bet money amounting to P2,380.

The suspects will be slapped with charges for violation of PD 1602 (Illegal Gambling).

“I ordered all chiefs of police in the province to launch a crackdown on all the illegal cockfighting activities, popularly known as ‘tupada’ amid reports of its prevalence,” said Col. Jess B. Mendez, provincial police chief.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Steve A. Gosuico