Group scores horse fighting in NCotabato

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines —The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) based in Metro Manila has condemned the recent horse fighting activity in North Cotabato. According to PAWS, horse fighting is considered cruelty to animals, illegal and violates Republic Act 8485 otherwise known as the Animal Welfare Act of the Philippines. North Cotabato has conducted the horse fighting derby as part of the celebration of the province's 94th founding anniversary on August 30 to September 1. Some 40 horses have competed in the three-day horse fight derby which was held inside the provincial capitol compound. The well known contingents came from various towns in North Cotabato, Davao del Sur and other areas in Mindanao. But event organizer M'lang Mayor Joselito Piñol said horse fight has became part of the tradition in North Cotabato. Piñol said before and after the fight, veterinarian checks the condition of the horses to make sure that these animals could stand firm up to the last minute of the competition. Piñol explained horse fight form part of the culture and traditions of some indigenous people in North Cotabato. Piñol appealed to the people especially those in Metro Manila to respect this custom in the province. "Horse fighting in North Cotabato has already form part of the Lumads and Muslim traditions in any festival," Mayor Piñol explained. Piñol said based on traditions, the more horse fighters the datu has, the more he becomes reverend. He added the horses’ owner cared for their horses like people in Manila who care for their Mercedes Benz. Piñol also asked the PAWS to respect other people’s culture and try to understand it rather than to impose their own. “If we can do this, then no more tribe in our country would ask for a separate state," Mayor Piñol concluded. - Willamor Magbanua, GMANews.TV