DILG warns LGUs, barangay officials on cockfighting

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) spokesperson Jonathan Malaya reminded local government units (LGUs) that cockfighting remains banned even in areas with eased up community quarantine protocols. 

“Nakarating sa DILG ang ilang reports sa regions na mayroong mga LGUs na hinayaan ang pagbukas ng mga sabong. Liwanagin lang ng DILG na bawal ang sabong hanggang ngayon at wala pa sa IATF resolution upang i-allow ang operasyon ng mga sabong sa buong bansa,” he said.

(Reports reached the DILG that some LGUs in certain regions allowed cockfighting to resume. Let me clear up that DILG still prohibits cockfighting today and there is no IATF resolution allowing operations in the whole country)

 

Malaya reminded LGUs to wait for the approval of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) before they allow the resumption of cockpit operations nationwide.

 

He added that the DILG and the Philippine National Police (PNP) will continue to monitor LGUs nationwide for illegal cockfighting.

 

Malaya meanwhile said barangay officials are now allowed to implement localized lockdowns if they deem it necessary to impose stricter quarantine measures for critical zones.

 

He also said LGUs should organize quick response teams for contact tracing and enforcement of peace and order in the community. LGUs are also expected to provide for the essential needs of residents in areas placed under localized lockdown.