Coordinated probe sought for missing sabungeros

MANILA, Philippines — Following new information regarding the case of the 34 missing cockfight enthusiasts or sabungeros, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) called for a coordinated investigation across government agencies to bring justice to the victims and their families.

Relatives of the missing sabungeros gathered at the CHR Central Office in Quezon City last week to demand justice. They urged authorities to solve the case.

In a meeting, CHR Commissioner Beda Epres and the victims’ families discussed the next step to be taken after a suspect claimed that the sabungeros were killed and dumped in Taal Lake.

The CHR described this development as a potential breakthrough and called for a coordinated action to investigate the suspect’s revelations.

“The CHR is here to continue its investigation. The decision of one of the suspects to surface and his willingness to reveal what he knows is a welcome development,” Epres told families of the victims.

He urged all concerned government agencies, including the CHR, Department of Justice, Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard to work together and put an end to the case.

Epres said special investigators from CHR- Calabarzon have gone to Taal Lake to monitor activities and participate in quick response operations being conducted by law enforcement agencies.

In 2022, the CHR-Calabarzon initiated an investigation to gather testimonies and pieces of evidence from the families of the missing sabungeros.

“At the time, there was no information that could directly point to the victims’ whereabouts or identify the perpetrators. The only available pieces of evidence were the statements of the victims’relatives. No witness had come forward to testify to the events that transpired on the dates the victims were last seen or taken,” the CHR said.

The rights body is hoping that recent developments can mark the beginning of a more thorough and coordinated investigation.

“One that may finally uncover the truth and bring justice to the victims and their families,” the CHR said.