Some senators on Thursday said they are considering holding an investigation into the rising number of cockfight enthusiasts that were reported missing recently by police.

“Given the urgency of the issue while the Senate is on regular adjournment, I am planning to conduct an inquiry as part of my committee's oversight function over certain government agencies,” Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said in a text message shared to reporters.

Dela Rosa is head of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs.

Senators Panfilo Lacson and Vicente Sotto III also echoed the same sentiment.

Lacson, who is running for president in the May 2022 elections said Dela Rosa’s committee or the Senate Committee on Games and Amusement can launch the probe.

“I think we should call for a Senate inquiry because the situation is getting serious and we don’t know the real cause of this issue,” Lacson said during a press briefing in Pasay City.

Sotto, incumbent Senate President, agreed with Lacson, saying Sen. Lito Lapid, who chairs the games committee can also conduct an investigation.

Asked about the issue, Lapid said he is open to investigating the issue but said he will defer to Dela Rosa since the issue involves police matters.

“I will join the hearing because I really feel for the family of these ‘sabungeros’,” Lapid said.

“If we need a new law for that, I would support that just to eradicate e-sabong,” he stressed.