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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos orders continuous probe on missing sabungeros

Marcos orders continuous probe on missing sabungeros

Palace believes it will be resolved in lawful way

Published Jul 2, 2025 01:21 pm
President Marcos ordered the continuous and thorough investigation in the disappearance of at least 34 “sabungeros” four years ago.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. spearheaded the bell-ringing ceremony at the Philippine Stock Exchange in Taguig City on July 1, 2025, to celebrate the rollout of the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA). (Mark Balmores)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. spearheaded the bell-ringing ceremony at the Philippine Stock Exchange in Taguig City on July 1, 2025, to celebrate the rollout of the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA). (Mark Balmores)
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Marcos wants an in-depth probe on the missing cockfight enthusiasts in order to hold those who are involved accountable.
“Ipagpatuloy po ang pag-iimbestiga, ng malalimang pag-iimbestiga para malaman kung sino ba talaga ang sakot dito at mapanagot ang dapat mapanagot (Continue with the investigation, the in-depth investigation to know those who were really involved and hold them accountable),” Castro said in a Palace briefing on Wednesday, July 2, when asked about the President's directive over the case.
Castro said that according to the Department of Justice (DOJ), there are four witnesses who may be able to help, but they still need to evaluate their testimonies to determine who can potentially become a state witness.
Aside from the testimonies, Castro added, the DOJ also needs other forms of evidence—such as photos, videos, if any—to help in resolving this case.
The Palace official also stressed that Malacañang still believes that the case will be resolved according to law.
“Naniniwala po tayo sa integridad ng ating korte, at ito ay masusolusyunan na naaayon sa batas at naaayon sa rule of law (We believe in the integrity of our courts, and that this will be resolved in accordance with the law and the rule of law),” she said in response to a report that the mastermind of the disappearance is very powerful and can influence even the Supreme Court.
The sabungeros went missing from April 2021 to January 2022 in various cockfighting arenas and the victims’ homes in Laguna, Batangas, Manila, and Bulacan.

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