THE Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) is getting closer to identifying the mastermind behind the disappearance of cockfighting aficionados, also known as “sabungeros.”

In a chance interview at the Department of Justice (DOJ) building in Manila, the chief of PNP-CIDG, Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., revealed that they already have a lead on the suspect responsible for the vanishings.

“We have an idea, but as the primary investigating agency of the Philippine National Police, we want to make sure our case is rock solid. We’re gathering all the evidence to pinpoint the mastermind,” Caramat said.

However, the top cop kept tight-lipped on the identity of the mastermind, adding, “We want to make sure the case is airtight so all our efforts won’t go to waste.”
Caramat, along with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and other law enforcement representatives, met with families of the missing enthusiasts for a case conference on Monday morning.

“We’re focusing on arresting the suspects with warrants and from there, we’ll know the questions to ask after we track down the wanted persons,” he said.

The hunt is on as police tracker teams have been formed to locate the remaining suspects.

Justice Secretary Remulla assured the families of the missing cockfighting fans that the government will leave no stone unturned in solving the case.

“We’re putting all our resources and time into gathering evidence and cracking this case wide open,” Remulla stated.

Government prosecutors recently found enough evidence to charge six suspects in the disappearance of six cockfighting enthusiasts from Tanay, Rizal.

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Hector Lawas