A regional director for the Philippine National Police (PNP) has been linked to the case of the missing “sabungeros” or cockfight enthusiasts, said the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday.

According to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, the regional director aided the suspects in the case. He clarified that upon his promotion from general and reassignment to another office, he brought these policemen accompanied him.

“Noong lumipat ‘yung heneral ng opisina, kinuha niya ‘tong mga ito to be under his wing, ‘yung mga suspects ng missing sabungeros case,” Remulla said.

The House committee on human rights has invited gambling magnate Atong Ang and his former partner, actress Gretchen Barretto, to attend an inquiry on the missing sabungeros case.