DOJ: Probe into missing ‘sabungeros’ not personality-driven

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, Philippine News Agency

FAIR PROBE. Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez updates the media on the missing “sabungeros” (cockfight aficionados) case in a news forum in Quezon City on Saturday (July 12, 2025). Vasquez assured that the ongoing probe is not personality-driven, nor is it directed at any particular group of individuals. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

MANILA – The ongoing investigation on the case of missing “sabungeros” (cockfight aficionados) is “not personality-driven” nor is it directed at any particular group of individuals, an official of the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Saturday.

“Wala kaming tinutumbok. Kung ano man ang kahihinatnan ng investigation at kung sino man ‘yong natutukoy na siya ang may kinalaman dyan, sila ang dapat managot (We are not targeting anyone. Whatever the outcome of the investigation and whoever is found to be involved, they would be held accountable),” Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez said in a news forum in Quezon City.

“It’s not personality-driven. There is nothing personal about it. It’s more on trabaho lang ito. At ang hinahabol natin ay ‘yong ebidensya (This is just a job. What we are after here is the evidence).”

Vasquez said investigators are currently collating pieces of evidence related to the case.

“We are on the collation stage of these pieces of evidence, and we are in the process now of trying to strengthen the case or cases that may be filed,” he said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier ordered a thorough investigation into the case and hold accountable the people behind the alleged abduction and murder of the victims.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government expects a fair probe, even as some influential personalities were tagged in the case.

One of the suspects, Julie Patidongan, alias Totoy, earlier implicated several police officers, a showbiz personality, and gaming tycoon Atong Ang in the disappearance of the 34 missing sabungeros.

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