The number of missing people involved in cockfighting (sabungero) has reached 26, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday.
PNP spokesperson PCol. Jean Fajardo told DZRH in an interview that PNP Chief PGen. Dionardo Carlos has already ordered the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to coordinate with regional offices in the National Capital Region and Region 4A over the missing persons.
"Doon sa 26 kong nabanggit, safe to say na may mga lumapit na pong pormal sa CIDG, nagbigay na po ng statement, nagbigay na ng affidavit at 'yun po ang magiging additional lead po ng PNP CIDG and other concerned PNP units para po resolbahin po itong inireport na nawawalang sabungero," Fajardo said.
(From the 26 that I have mentioned, safe to say that there are now people who came to the CIDG to submit a statement and affidavit, which will be used as additional lead by the PNP CIDG and other concerned PNP units to resolve the reported case of missing sabungeros.)
According to Fajardo, the first of the cases was brought to them back in January 14, which reported a relative who went missing on January 13. However, further investigation by authorities found that some sabungeros have gone missing as early as last year.
The PNP spokesperson said it remains unknown if the missing people know each other or if they belong to the same group. The CIDG is also investigating if a single group could be behind the case.
Currently, the PNP has already invited several personalities and is looking into game fixing as a possibility over the missing person case.
"May mga naimbitahan na po na mga personalities lalong-lalo na 'yung mga security personnel at members ng management doon sa mga nasabing sabungan at 'yun ang tinututukan ng CIDG," she said.
(We have invited several personalities, including security personnel and members of the management of the cockfighting areas that are investigated by the CIDG.)
"Ang tinitignan pa po na motibo ng CIDG at ang ating mga imbestigasyon ay may kinalaman po sa game fixing ang possible na motibo sa pagkakawala nitong mga sabungero," she added.
(The CIDG in its investigation is looking into the possibility of game fixing as a possible motive behind the missing sabungero.)
Fajardo also said that they are hopeful that the missing sabungeros are in good condition, stressing that the PNP and other government agencies will not stop until the case is solved.
