The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was ordered on Thursday, Feb. 17, to probe the reported abduction and disappearance of several cockers or cockfighting aficionados, called “sabungeros” in Pilipino, the past several weeks.
Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra, in Department Order No 042 directed NBI Officer-in-Charge Eric B. Distor to conduct the probe and “if evidence warrants, to file the appropriate charges against all persons involved and found responsible for any unlawful act in connection therewith.”
Distor was also directed “to submit reports on the progress of the subject investigation directly to the Office of the Secretary within ten (10) days and periodically thereafter.”
For its part, the Senate was reported to be considering an investigation into the rising number of “sabungeros” reported missing.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said that as of Jan. 31 there has been a total of 26 “sabungeros” reported missing in Manila, Laguna and Bulacan.