Federation president Jimmy Pascual said their group will also launch a signature drive to solicit the support of the community and other cockfight aficionados.
There were three protests filed by members of the federation since June regarding what they describe as “unfair judgment” during a game, but the cockfight board has yet to act on them, Pascual said.
He said there’s bet money involved in the protest and the complainants, Henry Gallera, Jean Caday, Eddie Yalong and Kevin Manansala, have been “unfairly” judged by an “incompetent referee.”
Pascual said their group is also questioning the qualification of the referee and working status of the “casador,” who they claimed is a guest worker but is not connected with the management of the Saipan Cockfight Arena operated by Maryann D. Calvo.
The petition likewise questions the legitimacy of the new cockfight arena in As Gonno, describing it as “unsafe” and lacking basic amenities.
The federation has called for the boycott of As Gonno arena unless the management will address its concerns.
Pascual said their group will only patronize the arena once their protests are resolved.
Variety learned that the mayor’s office will meet with the cockfight board this week to discuss the rules and regulations in cockfight events.
Saipan Municipal Council Chairwoman Antonia M. Tudela said she is willing to assist the management and the cockfight federation reach a compromise.
Pascual said their group will not resort to illegal cockfights even if they continue to boycott the arena.
“But we don’t have any control over the other cockers,” he added.
