PNP says photos of missing ‘sabungeros’ actually from Maguindanao ambush

MANILA, Philippines — Circulating photos showing bloodied bodies of ambush victims with captions claiming they were the missing “sabungeros” are actually from an unrelated shooting incident in Maguindanao last February 12.

Several Facebook accounts posted the photos claiming they were the missing cockfight players. One Facebook post claimed they were found in Rizal while another said they were found in Bulacan.

But Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson said Police Col. Jean Fajardo said: “The photos..relates to a shooting incident [that] transpired in Maguindanao last Feb. 12.”

INQUIRER.net asked the PNP about the photos circulating on social media.

“Rido (clan war) po ang motibo between 2 families who are both members of MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front). Na-file na po kaso against sa mga suspects,” she added.

READ: 9 dead in Maguindanao ambush

Facebook posts claiming that photos of Maguindanao ambush victims are that of the missing “sabungeros.” Screengrab

Facebook posts claiming that photos of Maguindanao ambush victims are that of the missing “sabungeros.” Screengrab

Fajardo was referring to the killing of nine individuals, including a commander of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), the armed wing of the MILF, in Guindulungan town.

READ: Police to file charges vs MILF commander attackers

The photos circulated online as the Senate public order and dangerous drugs panel on Thursday opened an investigation into the disappearance of 31 cockfight enthusiasts who went missing from April 2021 to January this year.

Facebook posts claiming that photos of Maguindanao ambush victims are that of the missing “sabungeros.” Screengrab

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