Philippine Embassy in France Warns Community Over Illegal Cockfighting and Gambling

Cockfighting is a crime in France, and the Philippine Embassy in the country has warned members of the Filipino community against such practices, after receiving reports of Filipino nationals staging cockfights and indulging in illegal gambling.

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According to the statement issued in an advisory on Monday, some Filipinos were reported to be staging illegal cockfights and indulging in illegal gambling.

The advisory mentioned disturbances and littering that had come in complaints regarding cockfights in France.

The Philippines Embassy in France stated that the practice of cockfighting in France was a violation of animal welfare law in the country.

Cockfighting in France can land one in jail for up to 3 years and subject one to a fine of 45,000 euros, approximately P3.23 million.

The embassy urged Filipinos in France to comply with the French laws and regulations. It also urged the community to maintain the good name and reputation of Filipinos with their French hosts.

The warning comes as the embassy seeks to address reports of unauthorized cockfighting activities and related gambling among members of the Filipino community in France.

Cockfighting and Gambling Issues

Cockfighting is a cruel sport involving two uniquely bred and trained gamecocks fighting each other in a pit or an arena.

In some cases, knives or spurs are attached to the legs of the birds, while gamblers bet on the fight’s results. Since such fights may be dangerous and even fatal for the birds, the activity is prohibited in numerous nations. For instance, in France, cockfighting is prohibited because it amounts to animal abuse.

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According to the Philippine Embassy in France, there were complaints raised by French authorities on the existence of cockfights and gambling activities done by Filipinos. The embassy also reported complaints about the disruption in the community and littering from such activities.

This advisory stressed that doing illegal cock fights will have serious consequences under French laws. Those proven guilty could be imprisoned for up to 3 years and fined 45,000 euros.

The embassy’s warning is intended to inform Filipinos about the legal risks and to discourage participation in unauthorized cockfighting and gambling activities. The embassy also highlighted the importance of respecting local laws and maintaining positive relations with the French community.

Sabong in the Philippines

Sabong, or cockfighting, remains popular in the Philippines. The sport has always been practiced during local fiestas, gambling, and gamecock breeding.

It should be noted that traditional sabong has been legalized in licensed cockpits in the Philippines. On the other hand, unauthorized sabong is prohibited by Philippine law. E-sabong is currently suspended in the country.

This comparison of the legality of cockfighting in the Philippines versus the ban in France highlights the legal jeopardy that Filipinos are subjected to when engaging in this practice outside the country.

The Philippine embassy in France released the advisory in order to orient the Filipinos about the laws in the country, which they could be subjected to due to participation in cockfighting and gambling. Complaints have been filed about disturbance and littering because of the activities. This has added to the concerns of both French authorities and the embassy regarding the impact of these activities on the local community.

The advisory serves as a reminder that practices legal in one country may be prohibited in another.

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Source: Inquirer.net