NBI raids illegal horse fight in Davao Occidental; 4 arrested, barangay captain sought

Four persons were arrested by authorities during a raid at an illegal horse-fighting operation in Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental, including the announcer, an organizer, and the cashier of the event.

In an exclusive “24 Oras” report by John Consulta, a surveillance video showed a group of people watching a live fight between two horses.

“Pagdating po natin doon, parang piyesta, ang daming tao. Takbuhan ‘yung mga tao at kabayo, nasira ‘yung kanilang improvised na dome,” National Bureau of Investigation Environmental Crime Division (NBI-EnCD) Executive Officer Atty. Marvin Maramis said.

(When we arrived there, it was like a festival—the place was packed. People and horses were scattered everywhere, and their improvised dome was destroyed.)

“Pinaglalaban po ang mga kabayo, may entrance ticket sa manonood [na] P500. May pustahan mula P500 hanggang P5,000 o higit pa. Pino-promote thru internet,” NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag added.

(They pit the horses against each other, charging spectators an entrance fee of P500, with bets ranging from P500 to P5,000 or even higher. They even promote it through the internet.)

Upon receiving a signal, agents from the NBI-EnCD and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Region 11 launched the raid.

Authorities identified the local barangay captain as one of the organizers of the illegal horse fighting. A manhunt is currently underway to find him.

“Mabigat ito dahil bilang isang public official, ikaw dapat ang unang nagpapatupad at sumusunod sa batas, pero ikaw pa ang lumalabag nito kaya naman kasama sila sa kakasuhan,” Matibag said.

(This is a grave offense because, as a public official, you should be the first to implement and follow the law, yet you are the one violating it. This is why they are included in the charges.)

Authorities were able to rescue several horses, some of which were found to have sustained head and body injuries.

“Kadalasan may bite injuries, may muscle trauma, worst ‘yung napipilayan sila. Nagkakaroon din ng internal injuries depende kung gaano kalala at gaano katagal ang pag-aaway,” Animal Kingdom Foundation Program Director Atty. Heidi Caguioa said.

(Usually, there are bite injuries, muscle trauma, and at worst, they get crippled. They also sustain internal injuries depending on how severe and how long the fight lasted.)

In Consulta’s report, the four arrested suspects will face charges of violating the Animal Welfare Act and Illegal Gambling. They have yet to issue a statement. –Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/NB, GMA News