AMID the continued threat of the COVID-19 virus, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) directed all local government units (LGUs) to ensure that the resumption of cockpit operations and the return of traditional cockfighting (sabong) in areas under Alert Level 2 or lower will not become super spreader events of the highly transmissible Omicron variant.

DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año urged all provincial governors, city/municipal mayors, and barangay heads to exercise sound judgment, undertake necessary actions, and ensure compliance to health and safety protocols in the management of cockpits and cockfighting activities in their jurisdictions.

“Kahit nasa Level 2 or 1 na kayo, mahigpit pa rin nating paalala na maging maingat, disiplinado, at alisto sa inyong pagbabalik-operasyon ng sabong. Hindi pa napapanahon upang tayo ay makampante, lalo’t mataas pa ang kaso ng Omicron,” Año said.

In DILG Memorandum Circular (MC) 2022-003, Año said operations of cockpits and traditional cockfighting may be allowed in areas under Alert Level 2 or lower provided that there should be no objection from the concerned LGUs and that COVID-19 health protocols are strictly observed.

According to Año, the maximum venue capacity for indoor gatherings is only 50% for fully vaccinated individuals pursuant to Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) guidelines. All on-site workers/employees of these establishments should also be fully immunized.

He stressed that only technology-based platforms, as well as cashless betting, are allowed to prevent the physical exchange of cash anywhere in the cockpit.

The DILG Chief stressed that minimum public health standards (MPHS) shall be strictly observed in areas where traditional cockfighting is conducted. These include proper wearing of face masks and strict enforcement of no facemask, no entry; physical distancing of at least one meter; and hand hygiene (alcohols/hand sanitizers/disinfecting materials) should be made available for all patrons, employees, and visitors.

“We are not yet out of the woods and we do not encourage mass gatherings which could be super spreader events. Make sure you exercise extra caution before entering a cockpit or participating in cockfighting activities,” Año said.

Año said local police officers shall assist in the monitoring and inspection of cockpit arenas.

He stressed that failure to comply with the guidelines shall result to the automatic closure of the cockpits. All concerned officials and employees shall be dealt with in accordance with pertinent laws, rules, and regulations.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jun I. Legaspi