Illegal Cockfighting In The Phillipines

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - APRIL 12: Men call out their bets before a fight begins at San Andres Bukid on April 12, 2014 in Manila, Philippines. Cock fighting, or Sabong, is one of the most popular spectator sports in the Philippines, and has been a social fixture for hundreds of years. Falling behind only boxing and basketball in terms of popularity, the most important matches are nationally televised and fill arenas to capacity. But far from the lights and regulations of sanctioned matches are the more common illegal fights that take place in backstreets throughout the country. In Manila's working class neighbourhoods of San Andres Bukid and Raymundo, illegal cock fights are a near daily occurrence. Held in makeshift fighting pits, backyards, or on the streets, the fights will draw predominantly male crowds to bet on the bloodsport, sometimes wagering a month's salary on a single fight. A long curved blade, or gaff, is attached to the left leg of the fighting cocks. The blades are often sharp enough to shave with, ensuring that the fights typically do not last more than a minute - and are always bloody affairs. (Photo by Luc Forsyth/Getty Images)