President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed a continuous and in-depth investigation into the disappearance of at least 34 “sabungeros” that occurred four years ago.
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Marcos is determined to hold accountable those responsible for the disappearances.
“Ipagpatuloy po ang pag-iimbestiga, ng malalimang pag-iimbestiga para malaman kung sino ba talaga ang sangkot dito at mapanagot ang dapat mapanagot,” Castro said in a Palace briefing on Wednesday, July 2.
She added that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has identified four potential witnesses, but their testimonies are still being evaluated to determine who among them could qualify as a state witness.
Aside from the testimonies, Castro added, the DOJ also needs other forms of evidence such as photos and videos to support the investigation and resolved the case.
The Palace official also stressed that Malacañang still believes that the case will be resolved according to law.
“Naniniwala po tayo sa integridad ng ating korte, at ito ay masusolusyunan na naaayon sa batas at naaayon sa rule of law,” she said in response to a report that the mastermind of the disappearance is very powerful and can influence even the Supreme Court.
The sabungeros went missing from April 2021 to January 2022 in various cockfighting arenas and the victims’ homes in Laguna, Batangas, Manila, and Bulacan. (Betheena Unite)
