President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has ordered a thorough investigation into the unresolved disappearance of 34 'sabungeros' or cockfighting enthusiasts, Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro confirmed during a press briefing on Wednesday, July 2.
“Ipagpatuloy po ang pag-iimbestiga ng malalimang pag-iimbestiga para malaman kung sino ba talaga ang sangkot dito at mapanagot ang dapat mapanagot,” Castro said, emphasizing the President’s desire to give justice to the victims' families.
In a report by RH Leth Narciso, Castro said that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has already received sworn statements from four witnesses who could help identify those responsible for the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts.
However, she said their testimonies must undergo further evaluation before any of them can be considered for state witness protection.
“Ayon nga rin po sa DOJ ay mayroon pong apat na witnesses na maaaring tumulong pero kailangan pa nilang i-evaluate ang mga testimony nila para malaman kung sino ang puwedeng maging state witness,” she explained.
Castro also underscored the need for more concrete evidence aside from testimonies, such as photos or video footage, to strengthen the case and assist investigators in resolving it.
In light of the developments, the Palace expressed confidence in the judicial system’s integrity and its ability to address the matter lawfully.
“Naniniwala tayo sa integridad sa ating Korte. Ito’y masosolusyunan na naaayon sa batas at naaayon rule of law,” Castro stated.
The case of the missing sabungeros remains one of the most controversial and baffling incidents since 2019, marked by allegations of police collusion and links to organized crime.
On Wednesday, June 30, the Philippine National Police–Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) initiated a case build-up against the police officers implicated in the disappearance.
