SAN FERNANDO, BUKIDNON — Four individuals, including a person allegedly identified as an organizer, were arrested after the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Region 10 and NBI Bukidnon raided an alleged illegal horse-fighting activity in Barangay Halapitan, San Fernando, Bukidnon, on September 16, 2026.
The operation, conducted at Sitio Sulog, reportedly sent people at the site scrambling in different directions as authorities moved into the area. Video footage from the operation showed several individuals suddenly running away after apparently noticing the presence of law enforcement personnel.
The raid was carried out by NBI personnel with the assistance of members of the military and the Bukidnon Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO).
Authorities arrested four individuals during the operation and seized two firearms, 43 rounds of ammunition for a 9mm pistol, handheld radios, two sling bags, and other items reportedly considered evidence in the investigation.
Three horses—two males and one female—were also recovered from the site and placed under government custody for proper documentation, examination and veterinary intervention.
Horse Fighting Allegedly Continued for Several Days
Initial reports indicated that the activity was already on its second day when the NBI operation was conducted.
Authorities reportedly learned that five pairs of horses had been made to fight the previous day, while the organizers allegedly intended to continue the activity until Saturday.
The reported presence of betting and gambling further placed the activity under scrutiny, aside from concerns over the treatment and injuries suffered by the animals.
The incident has raised serious animal-welfare concerns because deliberately forcing horses to fight can result in physical injuries and suffering.
Bukidnon Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Kevin Clayde Yulo said the practice of making horses fight, particularly when accompanied by betting, is contrary to the principles and provisions of the Animal Welfare Act, Republic Act No. 8485, as amended by Republic Act No. 10631.
Yulo also reported that veterinary personnel observed injuries on some of the recovered horses. One female horse was reportedly found with abrasions and ulceration around its nose, prompting the Provincial Veterinary Office to coordinate the proper quarantine, assessment and care of the animals.
Firearms and Gambling Also Under Investigation
Aside from the alleged animal-fighting activity, authorities are also examining the firearms, ammunition and other materials recovered during the operation.
The seizure of the two firearms and 43 rounds of 9mm ammunition will form part of the evidence being documented and examined by investigators. The circumstances surrounding the possession of the weapons and ammunition will likewise be subject to the appropriate investigation and legal proceedings.
The alleged gambling component of the activity is also being investigated as authorities determine the extent of the operation, the identities and roles of those involved, and the nature of the bets allegedly placed at the site.
The four arrested individuals may face charges based on the evidence gathered during the operation and the findings of the ongoing investigation.
Animals Placed Under Veterinary Care
The recovery of the three horses has added an animal-protection dimension to the law-enforcement operation.
The Provincial Veterinary Office is coordinating measures to ensure that the animals are properly isolated, examined and treated for injuries. Veterinary assessment will also help establish the condition of the horses and document any injuries that may be relevant to the investigation.
Authorities have not yet released a complete account of the animals’ medical condition or the final disposition of the horses.
The NBI-10 and NBI Bukidnon continue to process the seized firearms, ammunition, radios and other items for proper documentation, examination and evidentiary evaluation.
Investigators are also expected to establish who organized the alleged horse-fighting event, who financed or facilitated it, who participated in the betting, and whether additional individuals may be held accountable.
The operation underscores the enforcement challenges surrounding activities that combine animal fighting and illegal gambling, particularly when such events are conducted away from public scrutiny.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to determine the appropriate charges against the arrested individuals based on the evidence recovered and the applicable provisions of law.