Families of the cockfighting enthusiasts expressed their hope and gratitude as search and retrieval operations will be conducted in Taal Lake, believed to be a possible dumping ground for the victims' remains.
On Thursday, July 10, relatives of the 'missing sabungeros' head to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) headquarters in Camp Crame to get updates on the investigation.
Among them was Charlene Lasco, sister of missing online master agent Ricardo Lasco, who welcomed the government’s newfound urgency in addressing the case.
“Hindi na mukha noong nakaraang taon na walang gustong gumalaw pero ngayon tulong-tulong ang lahat ng agencies para matulungan ang mga naging biktima nitong karahasan na ito," she said in a media interview.
Lasco also confirmed that families of the missing are willing to join the search and retrieval team, emphasizing their desire to find closure after years of uncertainty.
Moreover, Lasco was abducted from their home in San Pablo, Laguna, in August 2021. His family believes his kidnapping was linked to his involvement in online sabong.
She further revealed that they had already met with alias “Totoy” or Julie Patidongan, a whistleblower linked to the case.
While the revelations are painful, Lasco said it’s a step forward, noting that the existence of a witness could finally shed light on the mystery that has haunted their families since 2021.
In a separate interview, another mother, alias “Myrna,” said she believes their prayers are being answered.
Her son, who disappeared from the Manila Arena in January 2022, is among the individuals who are believed to have been abducted in relation to illegal gambling and cockfighting operations.
“Masakit tanggapin kung isa siya sa mga pinatay [niyo], wala na po kaming magagawa pero nagbabakasali na lang po ako na buhay pa siya, pakibalik na lang po,” she said.
Myrna also visited CIDG to file a new complaint, claiming that her son’s live-in partner, previously a complainant, was allegedly paid off and has since withdrawn from pursuing justice.
Today, July 10, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), in coordination with other government agencies, conducted a technical site assessment in preparation for the search and retrieval operations for the alleged remains of the missing sabungeros.
