ILOILO City – The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) is conducting an internal investigation into a patrolman accused of tampering with fighting cocks at the Coliseo de Leganes in Leganes, Iloilo, raising suspicions of game-fixing.
The officer, assigned to Police Station 7, was reportedly seen handling multiple gamefowl before their scheduled matches.
Concerned spectators confronted him, alleging he may have poisoned the birds.
Acting on a complaint, the Leganes Municipal Police Station responded to the scene and discovered that the suspect was a fellow police officer.
While the patrolman denied the allegations, closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage reportedly showed him approaching the cocks repeatedly.
Although the officer has reached a private settlement with the complainant, ICPO spokesperson Police Major Shiela Mae Sangrines clarified that this does not preclude disciplinary action.
“He was there without any official duty or operation that could justify his presence,” said Sangrines, emphasizing that the officer had no legitimate reason to be inside the cockpit.
ICPO director Police Colonel Kim Legada reiterated the office’s zero-tolerance policy toward illegal gambling and misconduct among its ranks.
“I have ordered unit commanders to strictly monitor their personnel. Any officer found engaging in illegal activities will face disciplinary action and possible criminal charges,” Legada said.
The ICPO encouraged the public to continue reporting illegal gambling operations, assuring that the police remain committed to enforcing discipline and upholding integrity in the service./PN
