Torre: More individuals linked to missing sabungeros case identified

Philippine National Police chief General Nicolas Torre III — Photo from PNP

MANILA, Philippines — Apart from the 15 police officers, more “personalities” allegedly linked to the case of the missing sabungeros (cockfighting aficionados) have been identified amid the investigation, according to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III.

In a press briefing on Monday, Torre said authorities are looking into these individuals, emphasizing that the investigation will not end with the 15 PNP personnel initially implicated.

READ: Aside from Taal Lake, PNP looks at other sites in search of ‘sabungeros’

“There are other personalities who have been identified as the investigation goes on. We have information on their whereabouts, and we are monitoring them. If necessary, we will place them under surveillance while waiting for the issuance of an arrest warrant so that once the warrant is issued, we can immediately apprehend them,” he added.

Torre also confirmed that 15 PNP members linked to the case had been placed under restrictive custody at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Of the 15 officers, Torre said 11 are active, one has retired, and three were dismissed from service even before news of their involvement in the case emerged. The highest-ranking officer among them holds the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Torre noted that most of these officers were assigned to support units, while others were stationed in regional offices and area police commands.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla first disclosed the status of the 15 police officers last week.

Last month, a whistleblower identified as “Totoy,” also known as Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, claimed that the 34 missing sabungeros were buried in Taal Lake, Batangas.

Patidongan was one of six security guards accused of abducting the missing cockfighting enthusiasts. The whistleblower also claimed that the group used tie wire to strangle the victims before dumping their bodies into the lake.

According to reports, the sabungeros disappeared in 2021./mcm/abc