Police bodycam captures dramatic cockfighting raid in the Philippines

This is the dramatic moment police raided an illegal cockfighting arena in the Philippines.

Officers launched a sting following online adverts promoting matches set for Philippine Independence Day on June 12, when the blood sport is strictly banned.

Footage from an undercover agent shows suspected gamblers cheering as two roosters fought in the ring in Paranaque City, in Metro Manila.

But they were sent screaming and scrambling from their seats when police swept stormed the building, ordering them to stay inside.

Dramatic bodycam video shows people screaming in panic as they ran for the exits, as an officer screamed: 'No one leaves!'

One man was also caught trying to flee through the balcony.

Authorities said 55 people were detained, including the general manager, cashiers, and bettors.

Melvin Matibag, director of the National Bureau of Investigation, said the law strictly prohibits cockfighting on June 12.

He said: 'It is even stated in their advertisement that there were 80 'quality fights' and they were inviting participants and bettors.

'We have Presidential Decree number 449, which designates the days when cockfighting is banned. This is a brazen disregard of the law.

'This serves as a warning to the public not to break the law. We will take action against anyone found violating it.'

Cockfighting is legal but strictly regulated in the Philippines.

Matches are generally allowed on Sundays, legal holidays and other dates specifically designated by authorities.

However, unlicensed cockfighting and most forms of online cockfighting are illegal following a nationwide ban imposed in 2022.