Marcos orders full probe into missing sabungeros

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the authorities to conduct a more thorough investigation into the disappearance of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts, or “sabungeros,” following reports of police involvement in the alleged abductions, Malacañang said Wednesday.

In confirming Marcos’ directive in a press conference, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized the need for accountability.

“Continue the investigation, conduct a thorough probe to find out who is truly involved, and hold them accountable,” Castro said, reiterating the administration’s commitment to uncovering the truth and holding those responsible to account.

Castro also reaffirmed Malacañang’s trust in the judicial system, amid allegations that a powerful figure was behind the abductions.

“We believe in the integrity of our courts, and we trust that this will be resolved in accordance with the law,” she said.

The President’s order follows a separate investigation launched by the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

Napolcom vice chairperson and executive officer Rafael Calinisan earlier confirmed that the agency was looking into claims that several police officers were involved in the disappearance of the sabungeros, which occurred between 2021 and 2022.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has vowed full support in the probe.

PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III said the Internal Affairs Service will coordinate with Napolcom to determine the disciplinary measures against any implicated officers.

The case gained renewed attention after an individual identified only as “Totoy,” one of the suspects in the disappearances, said in a sworn statement that at least 20 police officers were involved in the kidnappings. He also alleged that the victims had been thrown into Taal Lake.

Authorities suspected the abductions were linked to game-fixing and cheating in cockfighting matches, a multi-billion peso industry before its online version was banned.