This is according to MaryAnn Calvo, sole cockfight gaming license operator, who tried to infiltrate a beachside pavilion which was being used for illegal cockfighting operations.
Calvo said she received a tip from somebody, informing her of the cockfights operating without license.
She mentioned that she proceeded to the scene in her car at 2:50 p.m. and notified the Department of Public Safety at 2:51 p.m. without the knowledge of the participants.
No DPS officers arrived on site after more than 30 minutes wait, she pointed out, adding that she decided to go out of her car and walked to the pavilion area where the illegal gambling activity was being conducted and told the gamers to stop their illegal activity.
Calvo said she saw men tying their roosters, preparing for another round of fights, which involved betting.
The participants immediately took off with their bets, roosters, and other gaming equipment.
A former congressman of precinct 1, who is now the current board member of the Cockfight Board appointed by the mayor’s office was present at the illegal cockfight operation, Calvo said.
“These illegal cockfighting activities must be shutdown. And those in support of such illegal activities must be prosecuted!” she stated.
Nobody on the scene would want to speak to Variety about the illegal cockfighting in the area.
Calvo mentioned, “The Mayor’s office authorizes only one person, or entity to conduct cockfight operations, based on a public bidding process in accordance with the provisions of Saipan Cockfighting Act of 1994 and the CNMI Code 10 CMC subsection 3606 and 10 CMC subsection 3608.”
She emphasized that “the only authorized licensee to conduct cockfight operation on Saipan is the Saipan Cockpit located along Middle Road in Gualo Rai.”
CNMI law states that “Any person or individual who willfully or knowingly violates any provision of the Saipan Cockfighting Act of 1994 or any promulgating rules or regulations is guilty of misdemeanor and if convicted, will be subject to a fine of not more than $600 or imprisonment of not more than three months or both.”
Nonresident workers who would be caught engaging in illegal activities are subject to deportation under immigration law, Calvo said.
The beachside pavilion in San Antonio has been reputed to host illegal cockfighting activities for years.
