The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said that it has taken into custody two individuals suspected to be key players in the high-profile case surrounding the disappearance of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts, known locally as sabungeros.

In a press conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo confirmed that two were apprehended overseas and repatriated to the Philippines on 22 July.

The arrested individuals are reportedly siblings of Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, a whistleblower and one of the accused in the case.

One of the suspects was identified as the person seen in CCTV footage withdrawing money from an ATM using a card belonging to one of the missing sabungeros. The other was allegedly involved in escorting a victim during a suspected abduction.

Fajardo said one of the suspects was arrested based on an outstanding warrant for robbery, while the other was held for allegedly using a fraudulent name on his passport. 

The arrests were carried out in coordination with the Bureau of Immigration, and the PNP maintains that the operations were fully legitimate.

Authorities believe these individuals could provide crucial information about the mysterious disappearances of sabungeros between 2021 and 2022. 

Investigations suggest the victims may have been targeted due to alleged match-fixing or cheating in high-stakes cockfighting games.

Patidongan previously claimed the victims were killed and buried in Taal Lake. He also implicated businessman Atong Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto in the disappearances — accusations both have strongly denied.

Investigations on the case of missing sabungeros are still ongoing as the PNP pursues leads in one of the country’s most chilling and unresolved criminal cases in recent years.

Patidongan previously claimed that the victims had been killed and dumped in Taal Lake, alleging the involvement of businessman Atong Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto. 

Both have denied the accusations.