Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Nicolas Torre III has expressed willingness to personally lead the search for the bodies of the 34 missing cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros, who disappeared nearly four years ago.

According to DZRH reporter Edniel Parrosa, this announcement follows a television report alleging that the remains of the victims were dumped in Taal Lake, Batangas — a revelation reportedly based on the statement of an individual claiming to be one of the six suspects in the case.

In an interview with reporters at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo welcomed the new information, calling it a significant development in the long-running investigation.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ), previously spearheaded the investigation into the high-profile disappearances that shook the cockfighting industry.

"Kung ang kasamahan po natin sa midya ay pagtitiwalaan paunti-uniti at makausap mismo natin itong witness po na ito at mainterview natin, maituro niya ay ang Chief PNP natin ay willing na siya po mismo ang pumunta doon at alamin kung saan ang eksaktong sinasabi niya,"

"Kasi kung sinabi niya na napinpoint po niya na sa Taal Lake po itong sinasabing pinaglibingan o pinagdalahan nitong mga missing sabungero, it will be a challenge," Fajardo added.

All six suspects identified by the police are security guards of the Manila Arena — the venue where the victims allegedly cheated in a cockfight event, which investigators believe could be linked to their disappearance.