POLICE probers have yet to receive any proof of life for the 34 missing “sabungeros” or cockfighting afficionados, but authorities are hopeful they are still alive.
“As of now unfortunately, we have yet to see any sign or proof of life,” PNP spokeswoman Col. Jean Fajardo told a press briefing in Camp Crame as investigation into the cases continued.
The sabungeros went missing from various cockfighting areas in Luzon starting last year. They were believed abducted in eight incidents, one of which occurred at the Manila Arena in Sta Ana Manila in January this year.
Police have filed a case of kidnapping against nine suspects involved in the abduction of six sabungeros from the Manila Arena last March 18. Nine John Does were named as respondents in the case.
Currently subject of a police investigation are two Laguna policemen, identified as Staff Sergeant Daryl Paghangaan and Patrolman Roy Navarette, who have been tagged by witnesses as being involved in the kidnapping of supposed “master agent” Ricardo Lasco in San Pablo, Laguna on August 30 last year.
Another Laguna policeman, Master Sergeant Michael Claveria, was also implicated in the abduction of other cockfighters.
“In the coming days, we expect a clearer picture in the case involving the abducted master agent,” said Fajardo.
Pressed if this means charges are due to be filed against the policemen, Fajardo said: “That is the plan of the SITG (Special Investigation Task Group).”
“They (SITF probers) are in the process of collating and completing the documentary evidence and once ready, they will file the case against some police officers relating to the abduction of the said master agent in San Pablo, Laguna,” she said.
Fajardo said that while there is no proof of life for the 34 victims, the PNP believes they are just being held somewhere.
“Just like our countrymen, especially the family members of the missing 34 cockfighting aficionados, we in the PNP are hoping they are alive up to now,” said Fajardo.
During President Duterte’s Talk to the People on Tuesday night, PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos reported: “Our investigation on the case of the missing sabungeros is continuing.”
Carlos said the policemen linked to the kidnapping of some of the victims are currently at the PNP national headquarters in Camp Crame so they will be available for the probe.
“Our (investigation) effort on the missing sabungers is continuing and we are not going to stop until we are able identify the personalities behind the disappearance of the sabungeros,” he said.
