Cockfighting allowed in quarantine areas

THE Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has allowed cockfighting and horse race betting in areas under a less strict community quarantine classification.

According to IATF-EID Resolution 79, the operation of licensed cockpits shall be allowed in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) while the operation of off track horse race betting stations shall be allowed in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) or lower, subject to health and safety protocols.

In a press briefing, Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said local government units shall have the final decision on whether or not the operation of cockpits can proceed in their respective localities.

“Kinakailangan po merong pagpayagnglokalnapamahalaan nasiyarinpongnagsu- supervise nitongmgasabongnaito (There has to be a local government that will agree to supervise these cockpits),” Roque said.

The International Federation of Gamefowl Breeders Association Inc. last September appealed to the IATF-EID to allow the resumption of cockfighting events subject to health protocols.

Volleyball tournament

Meanwhile, also approved by the IATF-EID, subject to strict observance of health and safety protocol, is the holding of a beach volleyball tournament by the Philippine Super Liga under a “sports bubble concept.”

All future requests for sporting events by any entity shall be addressed to the Regional Task Force Covid-19 where the activity will be held, according to the task force.