President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday vowed to take action and bring justice to the families of the 34 missing sabungeros or cockfighting enthusiasts, promising that the government will go after every individual involved — whether civilian or official — in what he called a “heinous crime.”
In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered on July 28, Marcos condemned the syndicates believed to be behind the disappearances and assured the public that the entire government is working together to solve the case.
“Hahabulin at pananagutin natin ang mga utak at mga sangkot, sibilyan man o opisyal. Kahit malakas, mabigat, o mayaman, hindi sila mangi-ngibabaw sa batas,” Marcos declared.
He stressed that the government will not rest until justice is served and the perpetrators feel the full weight of the law.
“Higit sa lahat, ipaparamdam natin sa mga salarin ang bigat ng parusa sa karumal-dumal na krimen na mga ito,” the President added.
The mysterious disappearances of the 34 cockfighting enthusiasts date back to 2021, which raised serious concerns in public especially about the illegal online sabong operations and organized crime syndicates.
Earlier, whistleblower Julie Patindongan, alias “Totoy” claimed that fifteen police officers were involved in the case of missing cockfighting enthusiasts including the former NCRPO Chief and retired police general Jonnel Estomo.
However, Estomo immediately denied the allegations and said he was wrongfully accused by Patidongan.
Meanwhile, families of the victims have staged protests before Marcos's SONA at the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), demanding justice and accountability.
