President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has directed authorities to conduct a more thorough investigation into the disappearance of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts, locally known as 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.
“Ipagpatuloy po ang pag-iimbestiga, ang malalimang pag-iimbestiga para malaman kung sino ba talaga ang sangkot dito at mapanagot ang dapat mapanagot (Investigation will continue, an in-depth probe to find out who is really involved in this and to hold those who should be held 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 country’s judicial system, even amid allegations that a powerful and influential figure is behind the abductions.
“Naniniwala po tayo sa integridad ng ating Korte at ito'y masosolusyunan na ayon sa batas at ayon sa rule of law (We believe in the integrity of our Court, and this will be resolved in accordance with the law and the rule of law),” she said.
The President’s order follows a separate investigation launched by the National Police Commission (Napolcom). Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Atty. Rafael Calinisan earlier confirmed that Napolcom is 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 for the probe.
PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III said the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) will coordinate with Napolcom to determine disciplinary measures against any implicated officers.
The case gained renewed attention after an individual identified only as “alias Totoy,” one of the accused, claimed in a sworn statement that at least 20 police officers were involved in the kidnappings. He also alleged that the victims had been buried in Taal Lake.
Authorities suspect the abductions may be linked to alleged game-fixing and cheating in cockfighting matches, a multi-billion peso industry in the Philippines before its online version was banned.
The fate of the 34 missing individuals remains mysterious.