Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra on Wednesday afternoon, March 9, said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has found a "lead" in its ongoing investigation into the missing “sabungeros” or cockfight enthusiasts.

“Yesterday I was informed by the NBI that they had found a lead, but no further information was given,” Guevarra said.

“I am confident that the NBI and the PNP (Philippine National Police) will soon come up with positive results. It is improbable that 34 persons in strikingly similar situations would disappear without a trace,” he pointed out.

Last March 8, the Office of the President issued an order directing the NBI and the PNP to investigate the disappearances of the “sabungeros” and submit their findings in 30 days.

Prior to the issuance of the Presidential directive, Guevarra had issued an order to the NBI to investigate the disappearances.

Under Department Order No. 042 dated Feb. 17, Guevarra told the NBI “to conduct an investigation on the reported abduction and disappearance of ‘sabungeros’ (cockers/cockfighting aficionados) in various places during the past few weeks and, if evidence warrants, to file the appropriate charges against all persons involved and found responsible for any unlawful act in connection therewith.”

Guevarra also instructed NBI Officer-in-Charge Director Eric B. Distor “to submit reports on the progress of the subject investigation directly to the Office of the Secretary within ten (10) days and periodically thereafter.”