PNP: Vital info on missing sabungeros ‘yet to be extracted’ from cockpit management

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said that vital information "has yet to be extracted" from the management of a cockpit where some missing cockfight enthusiasts were last seen.

In a statement, the PNP told the missing persons' worried families that the police is doing its best to locate them and arrest those who took them.

“The PNP has been adamant in getting into the bottom of this string of incidents, but there are vital information that are yet to be extracted from the concerned cockpit management where the missing persons were last seen,” the PNP said.

Citing the initial investigation by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), PNP chief General Dionardo Carlos said the police organization will work with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

“We already have the accounts of witnesses and other pieces of evidence which can aid in the probe. If they will request, then we will gladly share notes. We see this as a welcome development to work hand-in-hand in resolving these cases,” Carlos said.

The PNP said it will also cooperate in the Senate probe into the missing people.

As of Friday, CIDG public information office chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Sawan said the number of reported missing cockfight enthusiasts was at 29.

The PNP initially reported an incident involving four men who were reported missing after participating in a cockfight game in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, on January 13.

That same day, six men also went missing after participating in a cockfighting tournament in Manila.

When the CIDG investigation started, more reports of missing cockfight enthusiasts came in, like the 10 individuals in Bulacan who disappeared eight months ago and also went to the same arena in Sta. Cruz.

The PNP earlier said it identified some persons of interest linked to the disappearance of the cockfight enthusiasts. — BM, GMA News