Authorities arrested 51 individuals and seized more than ₱208,000 in betting money during an anti-illegal cockfighting operation in Sta. Ana, Cagayan, on 26 June.

The operation was conducted at around 2:30 p.m. in Coastal 2, Barangay Casambalangan, by intelligence operatives of the Provincial Intelligence Unit/Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of the Cagayan Police Provincial Office, with support from the Regional Intelligence Division of Police Regional Office 2 (PRO2), the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, the 203rd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 2, and the Sta. Ana Municipal Police Station.

Police said the operation resulted in the arrest of 51 individuals allegedly involved in operating, managing, and participating in an illegal cockfighting event, locally known as "tupada," in violation of Presidential Decree No. 449 in relation to Presidential Decree No. 1602, as amended by Republic Act No. 9287.

Among those arrested were two alleged operators identified only by the aliases "Froi" and "Jojo," both barangay kagawads from Barangay Casambalangan. Also arrested were individuals identified by the aliases "Nest," the alleged table manager, and "Arar," the alleged caller or llamador, along with 47 alleged bettors from Sta. Ana and nearby areas.

Authorities are also searching for a suspect identified only as alias "Vere," the alleged cockfight referee or sentensiyador, who escaped during the operation and remains at large.

Seized during the raid were five live fighting cocks, including two with attached gaffs (tari), 56 bladed gaffs stored in two separate boxes, and betting money totaling ₱208,982 in various denominations.

The inventory of the confiscated evidence was conducted at the scene in the presence of the arrested individuals and witnessed by officials of Barangay Casambalangan. The suspects and the seized evidence were later brought to the Sta. Ana Police Station for documentation and the filing of appropriate charges.

PRO2 Regional Director PBGen Mariano C. Rodriguez commended the operating units for what he described as a successful intelligence-driven operation and reaffirmed the police's commitment to intensifying the campaign against all forms of illegal gambling in the region.

“The success of this operation reflects PRO2’s firm commitment to putting an end to illegal gambling activities that threaten peace and order in our communities. We will continue to enforce the law without fear or favor and hold those involved accountable,” Rodriguez said.

The arrested individuals are facing charges for alleged violations of PD 449 in relation to PD 1602, as amended by RA 9287.

Police reminded the public that all suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.