Four individuals, including an organizer, announcer and cashier, are facing criminal charges after authorities dismantled an alleged illegal horse fighting operation in Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental.
The operation was carried out jointly by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
Authorities said the suspects will face charges for alleged violations of the Animal Welfare Act and illegal gambling laws.
A barangay captain, who was identified by authorities as the alleged coordinator of the activity, escaped during the operation. Despite fleeing, the official will also be included in the criminal complaints, according to investigators.
The operation was launched after authorities received information that horses were allegedly being forced to fight as part of an illegal gambling activity.
Seven horses were rescued during the raid. Authorities reported that all the animals had injuries, including wounds and bruises on their heads and bodies.
Investigators said the illegal operation generated income through an entrance fee of P500 per person. Betting during the horse fights reportedly reached more than P5,000.
The rescued horses are now under the custody of authorities as the investigation continues.
Officials are pursuing the barangay captain who remains at large while preparing criminal charges against all those allegedly involved in organizing and operating the illegal activity.
Authorities have not released additional details on the identities of the suspects or announced further arrests as of posting time.
