15-07-2025
House probe on missing sabungeros sought
A congressional inquiry on the missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) has been proposed in the House of Representatives amid the ongoing search for their possible remains in Taal Lake.
Manila Rep. Benny Abante made the call under House Resolution 53, saying that the disappearance of 34 sabungeros between 2021 to 2022 is just as worse as extrajudicial killings.
'The disappearance of the 'missing sabungeros' is no different from the extrajudicial killings in the fight against illegal drugs, a clear violation of human rights which is no longer just about gambling but about justice, accountability, the rule of law, and blatant disrespect of and disregard to the value and dignity of human life,' Abante's Resolution read.
'Now, therefore, be it resolved, as it is hereby resolved, that the House of Representatives, condemn as it hereby condemns in the strongest terms, the abduction and supposed killing of the 'missing' sabungeros; Resolved further, that the House of Representatives conduct an investigation in aid of legislation on the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of these sabungeros,' the Resolution added.
It was one of the accused, Julie "Dondon' Patidongan or alias Totoy, who claimed that more than 100 sabungeros were abducted, killed, and then dumped at Taal Lake.
Likewise, Totoy accused businessman Charlie 'Atong' Ang and actress Gretchen Barreto, as well as police officials, of being involved in their disappearance.
Ang and a number of police officials identified by Totoy have denied such allegations.
Meanwhile, the same Resolution also called for the reinstatement of the House Quad Committee under the 20th Congress to probe the case of missing sabungeros.
The House Quad Committee under the previous 19th Congress, composed of four House panels on dangerous drugs, accounts, human rights and public order/safety investigated the drug war killings during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte and crimes related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Congress has the authority to conduct investigations in aid of legislation and has the authority to recommend the filing of criminal charges based on the results of the congressional inquiry. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
