2 men in Iloilo arrested after holding spider derby

Catching spiders and making them fight on a stick is a common game among Filipino children. But did you know that this is actually illegal?

In fact, two men from Pavia, Iloilo were arrested on Sunday after they were caught doing a game of spider derby and betting on it.

According to Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras," Tuesday, among those confiscated were money worth P1,025 and match boxes that serve as houses for the spiders.

PNP Pavia Chief of Police PMAJ Dadje Delima said the suspects are facing criminal charges for violation of the Anti-Gambling Law. They are still in police custody pending filing of bail.

"Meron din tayong batas na nagpo-protect sa mga gagamba natin," he said.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said spider derby is a violation of RA 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

Under the law, killing, hurting, selling, and hunting wild animals are not allowed. This includes spiders, which play a huge role in nature despite their small size.

"Actually, ang gagamba ang isa sa pinakaimportanteng arthropods na nagbabalanse sa population ng mga insects. At nagsisilbi ring pagkain ng iba't ibang hayop," biologist Darrell Acuña said.

Despite the importance of spiders in the ecosystem, spider derbies have been commonly held as main event in town festivals. The sale of spiders and their boosters is also now spreading online.

However, Acuña said that spider fighting in the Philippines is unsustainable.

"Kahit breeding season, nangongolekta sila, so naapektuhan 'yung pag-multiply nila," he said.

"Meron tayong dengue outbreak sa Iloilo. Timely na 'yung gagamba malaki 'yung matutulong," MENRO Pavia Head Engineer Jolepe Suerte said.