Philippine Embassy Warns Against Illegal Gambling, Cockfighting in France

THE Philippine Embassy in France has reminded the Filipino community to refrain from illegal gambling and cockfighting after French authorities alerted the country of reported activities linked to Filipinos. In an advisory on Monday evening, the embassy said cockfighting is considered as animal cruelty in France and those who engage in the activity may be fined €45,000 and imprisoned for three years. “The embassy further reminds Filipinos that living and working in France would entail respect for and observance of French laws. Let us maintain the good name and reputation of the Filipino community with our French hosts,” the advisory read. The embassy added there have been complaints about disturbances and littering related to gambling and cockfighting activities conducted by Filipinos. Under Philippine law, cockfighting is not prohibited but the ownership, operations, and schedules of cockfights are regulated under the Presidential Decree No. 449 or the Cockfighting Law of 1974. — Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel