Fogbow

A police chief in the Philippines was killed by a rooster in a freak accident during a raid to break up an illegal cockfight — when the fighting bird’s blade cut open an artery in his leg, officials said Wednesday.

Lt. Christian Bolok, chief of the San Jose police force, bled to death Monday in Madugang village after the razor-sharp blade, called a gaff, sliced his femoral artery, Northern Samar provincial Gov. Edwin Ongchuan said.

“He was trying to confiscate the roosters but the problem was the rooster’s blade may have been laced with poison,” Ongchuan told the Associated Press.

Police tried to slow the blood loss by tying a cloth tightly around Bolok’s leg, he added, but they may have applied it in the wrong spot.

Three farmers who had been taking part in the illegal fight were arrested and three others were being sought.

Authorities seized seven roosters, a pair of gaffs and 550 pesos — about $10 — in cash, officials said.