CEBU CITY, Philippines — Two men and a minor have been charged with theft following an incident involving stolen fighting cocks in Naga City, Cebu. The suspects—26-year-old Lawrence Yncierto Viñan of Minglanilla, 20-year-old Roldan Alejandro Libre of Naga City, and an unidentified minor—were apprehended early Saturday, September 20.
According to Police Master Sergeant Aristeo Tampus, who is handling the case, the complaint was filed by Rodelio Labrador Mahinay, who pursued the charges after the suspects were caught.
The minor was first caught around 3 a.m. carrying two fighting cocks but fled toward Viñan, who was waiting nearby with a motorcycle. A chase ensued, leading to Barangay West Poblacion, where the stolen animals were handed off to Libre.
With help from bystanders, police successfully arrested the trio and recovered the stolen fighting cocks. Libre has a history of multiple petty theft offenses, while Viñan allegedly acted as the group’s contact for selling stolen fighting cocks. The minor was caught carrying the animals.
Viñan and Libre remain detained at the Naga City Police Station, while the minor is currently under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), pending separate proceedings.
