Cockpit Lessor Files Graft Complaint Against Bantayan Officials Over Illegal Sabong Operations
A cockpit lessor in Bantayan, Cebu, has lodged a formal complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman, alleging that local officials and police have failed to take action against illegal cockfighting activities, despite receiving multiple reports and documented evidence. The complaint, filed on March 26, 2026, accuses the respondents of violating anti-graft laws and other regulations, highlighting a pattern of negligence and potential corruption.
Details of the Complaint and Alleged Violations
In a complaint-affidavit submitted to the Ombudsman, Sando Destura asserted that illegal sabong operations have been continuously conducted at the St. Peter Coliseum in Barangay Combado, Ticad, Bantayan, every Sunday from February to March 2026, without any interruption. Destura is seeking criminal and administrative charges against the respondents, including violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Presidential Decree 449, which regulates cockfighting in the Philippines.
The complaint specifically names Bantayan Mayor Orlando Layese, former police chief PLTCOL Julius Garcia, current police chief PLTCOL Aldrin Villacampa, and other police personnel as respondents. Additionally, private individuals and Francisco Escario, the operator of the cockpit under Sidlak sa Bantayan Holdings Inc., are included in the allegations.
Evidence and Official Inaction Cited in the Case
According to the complaint, the vice mayor of Bantayan sent a series of letters starting on February 13, 2026, requesting clarification and immediate action against the alleged illegal cockfighting. A follow-up letter was dispatched on February 23 due to a lack of response from the authorities, underscoring the perceived disregard for formal procedures.
A police blotter entry dated February 15 confirmed that members of the Bantayan Police Station visited the cockpit to investigate reports of illegal activities. However, Destura claims that the operations persisted weekly until March, suggesting that the inspections were ineffective or ignored.
Further evidence cited in the complaint includes a certification issued on March 12 by the Business Permits and Licensing Office, stating that the St. Peter Coliseum or its operator had not been issued a business permit for 2026. Destura also alleges that the cockpit lacks a necessary franchise from the Sangguniang Bayan, as required under Presidential Decree 449 and the Local Government Code for legal operation.
Requests for Preventive Measures and Broader Implications
Destura has urged the Ombudsman to impose preventive suspension on the involved government officials, citing strong evidence and the potential for witness tampering. The complaint argues that the continued operation of the cockpit, despite official knowledge and multiple reports, demonstrates intentional neglect and complicity by the authorities.
Additionally, the complaint alleges that the illegal cockfighting has generated significant revenue and involved multiple barangays, with instances where minors were reportedly implicated. This raises concerns about community safety and the enforcement of local laws, highlighting the broader impact of such activities on public welfare and governance.
