PNP calls out disinformation on alleged bodies of missing ‘sabungeros’

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday called out the disinformation circulating on social media that claimed the bodies of the missing cockfighters had been found in Rizal.

In a statement, the PNP said the wrong information was an attempt to derail the investigation.

“The PNP deplores this act of disinformation that not only adds to the agony of the families of the missing persons but also serves to mislead police investigators who are focused on finding out the truth behind the case of the missing cockfight gamers,” the PNP said.

The social media post showed PNP SOCO personnel processing a crime scene that had several bodies.

The post claimed that the bodies in the photos were those of the missing cockfight enthusiasts and that they were supposedly found in Tanay, Rizal.

But, the PNP clarified that the photos were taken during the probe into an ambush incident in Guindulungan, Maguindanao on February 12, when nine people died and three were hurt.

The PNP said they would track down the source of the disinformation.

“The author of this disinformation will himself be investigated for his actions and possible link to the case of the missing persons,” it said.

As of Wednesday, the number of missing cockfight enthusiasts from different places was 31.

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 after attending a match at the same arena in Sta. Cruz.

On Thursday, the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs started its hearings on the missing cockfight enthusiasts. — DVM, GMA News