Prayers for missing sabungeros: CIDG chief hopes for a miracle

MANILA, Philippines — The search for the missing cockfighters or “sabungeros” has become a desperate mission for the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP CIDG).

The desperation of the search has only increased as time progresses, with no clues in sight.

The PNP CIDG has not given up hope yet; however, it is praying for a miracle at this point.

In a press conference, CIDG chief Police Brigadier General Ronald Lee was asked about comments from Department of Justice Secretary (DOJ) Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, stating that after so long, the missing sabungeros should be considered dead.

Lee responded that Remulla was only being “truthful.”

READ: 8 suspects linked to missing ‘sabungeros’ face kidnapping, illegal detention raps

“I don’t want na bigyan po kayo ng pag-asa po, ng (to give you) false hope, but we will still pray for a miracle,” said Lee to the loved ones of the missing sabungeros, who were also in the press conference.

He hinted that CIDG is doing its utmost to uncover any leads that could potentially end this situation.

He explained that based on his experience in the CIDG, kidnapping victims in Luzon are not held captive for long, as the kidnappers only want money.

Meanwhile, Lee said that kidnappings victims in Mindanao and by the New People’s Army could be held alive for years. However, he did not elaborate further on what usually happened to victims in Luzon.

When asked if the PNP will still treat the sabungeros as missing or dead, Lee said that until more evidence emerges, they are still treated as missing. However, no proof of life has been found, he said.

On Monday, the DOJ charged three police officers for the kidnapping and robbery of one of the missing sabungeros.

Despite this, Lee said that the investigation over the cockfighters is ongoing, as they are also following several suspects, some of whom are part of the police force.

READ: 3 cops now facing kidnap-robbery raps for missing ‘sabungero’

“Mayroon pong nasa service, karamihan po diyan ay nasa service and mayroon din pong mga civilian,” Lee said when pressed for who their suspects are.

(Some are in the service, most are in the service while there are also civilians).

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