“Grabe naman gagamba lang,” a Facebook user commented under a story about the arrest of men involved in a spider derby in Puerto Princesa City on October 6.
“[Hinuhuli] nyo ang gagamba dapat hulihin nyo ang nagshashabu, ang nagtutupada ng manok. Hindi yang gagamba,” another said.
Is spider derby really banned in the Philippines?
Presidential Decree No. 1602 is the regulation that penalizes multiple sorts of unlawful gambling, including spider derby (also known as spider fighting) operations.
While it does not specifically identify spider derby, it offers a comprehensive description of illicit gambling, encompassing any game or wagering activity involving monetary or other stakes conducted without appropriate governmental authorization or permits.
Because they entail betting or wagering money, which is illegal unless specifically permitted or approved by the government, spider derbies are under general ban. Therefore, under the more general wording of PD 1602, spider derby is regarded illegal even though there is no legislation specifically prohibiting it because of its gambling element.
This is the reason why four men were arrested on the afternoon on the said day during an anti-illegal gambling operation conducted by personnel of Police Station 2 of the Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO) at Purok Pagkakaisa, Barangay Sta. Lourdes, at 3 p.m. on October 6.
The suspects were identified as Ronald Sevilla Vedad, 34; student Kurt Lozada Lastrella, 19; construction worker David Zabalo Perrera, 31; and businessman Rolando Cabrera Bacolod Jr., 35.
Based on information obtained by Palawan News, the minimum bet in the spider derby was ₱3,000, with the potential for higher stakes.
Authorities seized 39 live spiders estimated to be worth ₱2,250, boxes used for storing the spiders, a miniature arena (locally known as “roweda”), and two syringes containing an unidentified liquid used to condition the spiders.
PD 1602 prescribes various penalties based on the type of gambling and the role of individuals involved. The fines range from ₱500 to ₱2,000, or imprisonment from 30 days to two years, depending on the severity of the activity.
In September, five individuals were also arrested for engaging in illegal spider fighting at Moreno St., Barangay Poblacion District II, Brooke’s Point, southern Palawan.
Seized from the suspects were boxes used as spider containers, six assorted boxes containing 26 live spiders, one plastic medicine container housing three live spiders, one bamboo scoop used for handling the spiders, ₱540 in cash, and one wooden arena used for the spider fights.
Those who organize, finance, or protect illegal gambling operations can face imprisonment of up to 10 years and heavier fines, especially if they are public officials or law enforcement officers involved in protecting these activities.
Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, including longer imprisonment terms and higher fines.
Under Republic Act No. 9147, also referred to as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) likewise views spider derbies as illegal.
This regulation forbids the collecting, damaging, and trading of animals without a permission. This covers spiders, which fall under the category of wildlife independent of their endangerment level.
The DENR claimed that since they help regulate insect numbers, even common spiders are vital for ecological equilibrium. Therefore, engaging in gambling activities including spider derbies against wildlife protection rules utilizing spiders breaks laws.
