Gingoog City — April 17, 2025 — A joint intelligence-driven operation led by the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st PMFC) under the command of Police Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Philip I. Pontillas resulted in the arrest of four individuals engaged in illegal cockfighting and gambling in Purok 4A, Barangay 20, Gingoog City.
The operation, conducted at around 3:58 PM, was in line with the Philippine National Police’s intensified campaign against illegal gambling, specifically under Presidential Decree 1602, which penalizes illegal gambling activities. Acting on verified intelligence reports, authorities caught the suspects in the act of participating in an unauthorized cockfighting game.
Recovered from the scene were two live fighting cocks, four dead fighting cocks, assorted bet money amounting to PHP 1,200, gaffs (cockfighting blades), leather boots, gaff tie ropes, cockfighting tape, and wooden “likit” tools used in cockfighting.
The arrested individuals were immediately informed of their constitutional rights in the local dialect and the entire operation was documented through two alternative body-worn cameras. The inventory of seized evidence was conducted on-site and witnessed by Barangay Kagawad Armando Bamba and SK Chairman Mark Dionis Kho.
The suspects and confiscated items were brought to the 1st PMFC headquarters in Malangka, Gingoog City for documentation before their turnover to the Gingoog City Police Station for custody and further investigation.
The 1st PMFC MOR reaffirmed its commitment to upholding peace, order, and the rule of law, vowing continued efforts to safeguard communities from activities that endanger public welfare and moral standards.
“This successful operation highlights our steadfast dedication to protect the rights of our citizens and maintain peace and order,” the unit stated in a release. “We remain resolute in our mission to ensure a secure and stable environment for all.”
