Dela Rosa may be ‘forced’ to reopen Senate probe on missing sabungeros

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa during a press conference on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said on Wednesday he would be “forced” to reopen the Senate investigation on the case of the missing sabungeros (cockfighting aficionados) should his colleagues file a resolution for that matter.

Dela Rosa, head of the chamber’s panel on public order and dangerous drugs, conducted an inquiry into the case of the missing sabungeros in 2022.

READ: Torre: 15 cops tagged in sabungeros’ case under ‘restrictive custody’

He said his panel has closed the investigation and submitted its committee report which was in return adopted by the chamber.

“In our committee report, we directed the (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) and the (National Bureau of Investigation) to continuously investigate the case in order to determine the people behind the case. Because the disappearance of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts — they wouldn’t disappear if there’s no influential person giving orders,” said Dela Rosa.

Asked if he was willing to reopen the probe amid recent developments surrounding the matter, Dela Rosa said he would do so — but only if a colleague initiates the filing of a measure with regards to the case.

“Unless maybe if someone from our colleagues files a resolution then I will be forced to reopen the investigation,” he said.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier bared that it placed 15 police officers reportedly involved in the case of the missing sabungeros under restrictive custody.

Dela Rosa, who was asked to comment on the involvement of some police officers in the case, said he is repulsed by the PNP’s disclosure.

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

“I already said this before. It is wrong to let ourselves be used by syndicates. You are a police officer, you are there to uphold the law. You are there to enforce the law, now you broke the law to adhere to the orders of someone — I’m sure in consideration of money,” he said.

In June, a whistleblower who identified himself as Julie Patidongan claimed that the 34 missing sabungeros — who disappeared in 2021 — were buried in Taal Lake, Batangas.

Patidongan was one of six security guards accused of abducting the missing cockfighting enthusiasts. /das