MANILA – The 15 police officers implicated in the case of the disappearance of “sabungeros” (cockfight aficionados) are now under restrictions, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Friday.
“There are now restrictions on 15 members of the Philippine National Police involved in the missing ‘sabungeros’ case. They are now on restricted duty and are required to report to designated offices so they can no longer participate in operations,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in an interview with reporters.
The DOJ chief added that he assured the families of the missing the sabungeros that the agency is exerting all efforts and “will leave no stone unturned” to solve the case.
Remulla made the assurance after he and other DOJ officials met with the families Friday morning to update them of the developments in the case.
Julie "Dondon" Patidongan, alyas Totoy, earlier said the disappearances of these sabungeros were part of orders by a syndicate controlling the multi-billion-peso cockfight industry which saw marked growth when it went online during the pandemic.
He claimed that the so-called "Alpha" group was composed of 20 businessmen and influential investors controlling all aspects of the games.
Totoy also alleged that certain police officers have colluded with the group in the killing of the victims and dumping their bodies in Taal Lake in Batangas. (PNA)