SONA 2025: No one is above the law in missing sabungeros case, says Marcos

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. vowed in his State of the Nation Address on Monday that no one is above the law as justice is sought for the missing sabungeros.

During his fourth SONA, Marcos said the entire government is doing everything to solve the case of missing sabungeros, noting that even those with influence, who are allegedly involved in the crime, will never be above the law. 

''Nagtutulungan ang buong pamahalaan para lutasin ang mga kaso ng mga nawawala dahil sa walang pakundangang kagagawan ng mga sindikato sa likod ng madilim na mundo ng mga sabungan,'' Marcos said.

''Hahabulin at pananagutin natin ang mga utak at mga sangkot, sibilyan man o opisyal. Kahit malakas, mabigat, o mayaman, hindi sila mangingibabaw sa batas,'' he added. 

(The entire government is working together to solve the cases of these persons who are missing because of the ruthless actions of the syndicates behind the dark world of cockfighting.

We will hunt and hold accountable the masterminds and those involved, whether they are civilians or government officials. No matter how strong, powerful, or rich, they are not above the law.)

A total of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts were reported missing from 2021 to 2022 but the number of those who disappeared could be way higher.

Law enforcers said the missing personalities were kidnapped allegedly due to match fixing or cheating in the cockfighting games.

Whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan had claimed that more than 100 sabungeros were abducted, killed, and then dumped in the Taal Lake.

Patidongan also implicated businessman Atong Ang and actress Gretchen Barreto, an allegation that the two personalities have denied. 

Marcos has directed a deeper investigation into the disappearances of cockfighting enthusiasts after it was disclosed that cops were allegedly involved in their abduction and death. 

The government is investigating at least 30 individuals over the missing sabungeros, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier said. — RF, GMA Integrated News