Cops linked to case of missing sabungeros

MANILA, Philippines — An official of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) yesterday vowed to file criminal charges against police officers implicated in the disappearance of at least 34 sabungeros or cockfight players.

During the resumption of the probe by the Senate committee on public order, resource persons tagged some policemen in the disappearance of the cockfight enthusiasts.

The panel was chaired by Sen. Ronald dela Rosa.

CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Eliseo Cruz said they would file cases against police officers based on the testimonies of four female witnesses.

“We believe that these witnesses are credible. They are victims and complainants too,” Cruz told senators.

He said they would file the complaints before the Department of Justice pending the result of the investigation.

During the hearing, Cruz said 28 photos were shown to witness Princes Lasco, who identified a policeman, known only as Senior M/Sgt. Paghangaan, as among those who allegedly kidnapped her husband Ricardo Lacso.

Last week, the CIDG filed charges of kidnapping and illegal detention against eight suspects in the disappearance of six cockfight players in Manila.

Nine security personnel of an e-sabong operator failed to attend the Senate hearing after they tested positive for COVID-19.

Dela Rosa said the committee would verify the COVID antigen test results submitted by the security personnel, who were subpoenaed to shed light on the case of the missing cockfight aficionados.

President Duterte urged Congress to pass a law that would promote transparency in the operations of online cockfights as he justified his decision not to suspend e-sabong. – Alexis Romero