PBBM wants thorough probe into missing ‘sabungeros’ case

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday (June 7, 2025) says the lighting of the iconic Jones Bridge is part of the Chinatown revitalization project. (RTVM via PNA)

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered a thorough investigation into the disappearance of “sabungeros” (cockfight aficionados) to hold accountable the people behind the alleged abduction and killing of the victims, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

“Ipagpatuloy po ang pag-iimbestiga, malalimang pag-iimbestiga para malaman kung sino ba talaga ang sangkot dito at mapanagot ang dapat mapanagot (Continue the investigation, a thorough investigation to find out who is really involved in this and hold accountable those who are involved),” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro told reporters when asked about Marcos’ directive following the latest developments on the case.

Castro said the Department of Justice has to verify the testimonies of and evidence from the witnesses.

She said the witnesses’ claims must be supported with substantial evidence, such as photos and videos, to shed light on the reported disappearance of the victims.

“Ayon nga rin po sa DOJ ay meron pong apat na witnesses na maaaring tumulong pero kailangan pa nilang i-evaluate ang mga testimony nila para malaman kung sino ‘yung pwedeng maging state witness (According to the DOJ, there are four witnesses who can help, but they still need to evaluate their testimonies to find out who can be a state witness),” Castro said.

Castro said the government is also expecting a fair probe, even as some influential personalities were implicated.

“Naniniwala po tayo sa integridad ng ating korte at ito’y masosolusyonan ng naaayon sa batas at naaayon sa rule of law (We believe in the integrity of our court and that this will be resolved in accordance with the law and in accordance with the rule of law),” she said.

One of the suspects, identified as alias Totoy, earlier tagged several police officers and a showbiz personality in the case of over 100 missing sabungeros.

The whistleblower claimed that the bodies of the victims were dumped in Taal Lake in Batangas province.

The DOJ revealed on June 26 that the mastermind in the abduction-killing of sabungeros is part of a group of around 20 individuals, including some government officials and police officials, who have adopted a corporate setup in running the billion-peso industry.

It also warned that the powerful group could influence the courts, even the Supreme Court.