Families Urge Action to Find Missing Sabungeros
In Manila, anxious family members of abducted cockfighting enthusiasts, known as sabungeros, are pleading for authorities to search for their missing loved ones believed to be buried in Taal Lake. The four-word keyphrase, “missing sabungeros in Taal,” comes as a witness revealed chilling details about their fate.
A whistleblower, who goes by the name Totoy, disclosed in a recent interview that the missing sabungeros were reportedly killed, tied to sandbags, and dumped into the lake. This claim has intensified the families’ urgent calls for a thorough investigation and action.
Relatives Seek Updates at Justice and Police Offices
On Friday, the victims’ relatives first visited the Department of Justice in Manila, then proceeded to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) headquarters in Quezon City. Aurelio Panaligan, whose nephew and cousin are among the missing, explained that their visit aimed to request a formal conference about the case.
Asked if they wanted authorities to dive into Taal Lake to search for the victims, Panaligan replied in Filipino, “For our part, we’d really want that, but it’s the procedure that’s really not easy.” He added that while they once prayed for their loved ones’ safe return, the witness’s testimony now gives their hope a credible new direction.
Emotional Pleas from Grieving Mothers
Francisca Ramos, whose son was also abducted, traveled from Quezon Province to seek answers. In her words, “Humihingi ako ng tulong para makita na lang kahit buto na lang ang aking anak para maiuwi ko sa amin.” (I’m asking for help to see even just the bones of my son so that I can bring him home.) She expressed deep sorrow, saying, “It hurts so much. My son was killed like an animal… They shouldn’t have been killed.”
Authorities Weigh Search Efforts in Taal Lake
The Department of Justice is considering involving technical divers from the Philippine Coast Guard and Navy to search for the remains in the lake. Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police has declared readiness to assist but acknowledged the difficulty of recovering the victims’ remains.
The families’ calls highlight the emotional toll and urgency surrounding the missing sabungeros in Taal. Their determination to find closure drives the push for immediate and thorough action by law enforcement and government agencies.
For more news and updates on missing sabungeros in Taal, visit Filipinokami.com.