At least 20 relatives of the missing sabungeros (cockfight enthusiasts) went to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) this week to submit new sworn statements, following allegations by a key suspect implicating high-profile individuals in their disappearance.

Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, who is facing charges in connection with the abductions, alleged that businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and three others orchestrated the kidnappings of dozens of cockfighting aficionados between 2021 and 2022.

Patidongan also claimed that actress Gretchen Barretto was aware of the operation.

Both Ang and Barretto have denied any involvement in the case.

In a television interview, Patidongan revealed that 100 sabungeros were abducted and killed, their bodies dumped in Taal Lake.

However, official police records list only 34 individuals as missing from 2021 to 2022.

Authorities believe the victims were targeted due to match-fixing and cheating within the lucrative e-sabong (online cockfight) industry.

The Department of Justice (DoJ) confirmed on Friday that 15 police officers suspected of carrying out executions in connection with the disappearances have been placed under restricted duty.

Also, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said an internal review of law enforcers’ role in the abductions is ongoing.

Earlier, in January 2023, seven police officers were dismissed from the service over their suspected involvement in the case.