Guevarra: NBI finds lead in missing ‘sabungeros’
THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is now pursuing a lead in the mysterious disappearance of at least 34 cockfighting aficionados or “sabungeros” in various parts of the country in the past several weeks.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has revealed this development but refused to give other details as this might preempt ongoing investigation.
“I was informed by the NBI that they had found a lead, but no further information was given. 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,” Guevarra said in a message.
Guevarra directed the NBI to conduct an investigation into the separate disappearance of cockfighting aficionados.
In Department Order 042, Guevarra directed the NBI to submit a progress report after 10 days, and periodically thereafter.
The police are now eyeing “double-cross” as a strong motive behind the disappearances of these sabungeros in Metro Manila, Laguna, Batangas, and Rizal.
As of this writing, all of the missing cockfighting aficionados are yet to be found.
Police noted that most of the missing cockfighting players are connected to an online sabong company.
Meanwhile, Malacañang has stepped in on the mysterious disappearance of the aficionados as it ordered the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the PNP, and NBI to investigate.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) was also directed to look into any possible violations committed by online cockfight licensees and ensure all security and surveillance requirements have been complied with.
