Probe on 34 missing ‘sabungeros’ remains on full swing: CIDG

MANILA – The Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has reassured that it is sparing no effort in uncovering the truth behind the disappearance of 34 “sabungeros” (cockfighting aficionados).

In a statement on Wednesday, newly designated CIDG chief Brig. Gen Ronald Lee said he called for a conference for updates and developments on the case on August 17.

Lee said families of the victims have disclosed receiving calls that offered them a sum of money in exchange for not pursuing the case or giving up the search for their missing loved ones.

He said the CIDG has been validating the calls and the numbers used by the callers, which could no longer be reached.

“Through our constant communication with the families of the missing individuals, their full support for the investigation and our fight against the perpetrators will not be influenced by anything and anyone,” Lee said in a statement.

He said the CIDG awaits the resolution of the two cases filed before the Department of Justice – the Manila Arena case against eight identified persons and several John Does and the Ricardo Lasco abduction case against five police personnel and other John Does.

"We are also prioritizing the identification of the man caught on CCTV (closed-circuit television) camera while withdrawing money from the ATM (automated teller machine) account of Melbert John Santos, one of the missing cockfighting aficionados in Sta. Cruz Laguna," Lee added.

He encouraged possible witnesses to come forward and reveal what they know for the immediate resolution of this case.

All of the missing "sabungeros" remain unaccounted for.

Reports said their abduction was allegedly a part of the crackdown of online cockfighting operators on those engaged in game fixing.

( PN A)