General Santos City — Several alleged gamefowl thieves will be spending the New Year behind bars after police operatives from Police Station 8, led by Police Major Robert Fores, successfully apprehended them during a targeted operation in Barangay Mabuhay.
The arrests came following a series of complaints received by authorities regarding rampant theft of fighting roosters within their area of responsibility. In response, police launched intensified surveillance that eventually led to the capture of the suspects while they were riding a motorcycle and transporting the stolen gamefowls.
The recovered roosters, believed to be valuable panabong fighting cocks, were confiscated as evidence.
Police said the operation was triggered by the growing frustration of owners who had repeatedly reported missing gamefowls in recent weeks.
With the arrest, a number of complainants have since flocked to Police Station 8 to file formal charges against the suspects.
Authorities reminded residents to remain vigilant and assured that continued operations will be conducted to curb theft incidents, especially during the holiday season.