Sabong ng kabayo sa Davao kinondena ni Rep. Brian Poe!

Mariing kinondena ni FPJ Party List Representative Brian Poe ang nagaganap na Horse Fighting activities kamakailan sa lugar ng Sta Maria Davao Occidental kung saan inihayag nito na kailangan magkapit bisig ang mga law enforcement unit maging ang civil society para sa pagpapatupad ng batas.

Sinabi ni Poe, kailangan bigyan ng pansin ang naturang pagpapahirap sa mga alagang hayop kung kaya’t nararapat lamang na tutukan ito ng mga ahensiya ng gobyerno na nakapaloob sa nasabing usapin.

Base sa naging pahayag ng Mambabatas, I commend the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XI, the local Philippine National Police, and the Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) for their coordinated efforts, which led to the rescue of seven horses and the disruption of an alleged illegal horse fighting operation. Their collective action reflects the importance of strong inter-agency collaboration and public-private partnership in protecting animal welfare and upholding the rule of law.

Horse fighting has no place in our communities. Beyond the cruelty inflicted upon animals, it is often associated with illegal wagering and other unlawful activities that undermine public order, good governance, and respect for the law. The successful operation in Davao Occidental sends a clear message that such activities will not go unchecked when government and civil society stand united.

At the same time, the circumstances surrounding this incident highlight the importance of conducting a fair, impartial, and transparent investigation to determine the full extent of responsibility of all persons who may have been involved, consistent with due process and the rule of law. Equally important is understanding how activities of this nature are able to take place so that institutional gaps, if any, may be addressed and similar incidents prevented in the future.

This operation likewise underscores the continuing need to strengthen our country’s animal welfare framework. As Principal Author of House Bill No. 1746, the proposed Revised Animal Welfare Act, I remain committed to advancing legislation that strengthens animal protection, enhances enforcement mechanisms, promotes greater inter-agency coordination, and equips authorities with the necessary tools to effectively prevent, investigate, and prosecute offenses involving animal cruelty.

Animal welfare is not merely an ethical concern, it is a matter of responsible governance, public accountability, and the rule of law. Protecting animals requires the collective commitment of government, civil society, local communities, and every Filipino.

“I stand with the Animal Kingdom Foundation and all our government partners in continuing this shared mission. Let this successful operation serve not only as an example of effective collaboration but also as a renewed call for vigilance, stronger enforcement, and a steadfast commitment to ensuring that cruelty against animals has no place in our society” pagtatapos ni Rep Poe. (Cesar Barquilla)