The Office of the Ombudsman announced that it has dismissed the mayor of Sindangan town in Zamboanga del Norte along with five barangay officials for allegedly allowing illegal cockfights during fiestas.

In a 10-page decision, the Ombudsman found Sindangan Mayor Rosendo Labadlabad, barangay captains Antonio Mohametano, Zosima dela Cerna, Joselito Espinas, Myzandro Dagondong and barangay treasurer Rebecca Lafuente, guilty of grave misconduct for issuing permits for cockfights outside of licensed cockpits.

Complaints against the officials were filed in January 2021 after they allegedly authorized "tari-tari" cockfights as part of their respective barangay fiestas. Witnesses testified to seeing the illegal gambling activities held during the celebrations.

The OMB cited violations of Presidential Decree 449, which restricts cockfighting to licensed venues, and Republic Act 7160, which prohibits government officials from having any interest in cockfighting operations.