MANILA — Malacañang said that the government will continue its in-depth investigation into the case of 34 missing cockfighters, or sabungeros, vowing accountability for those involved.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said law enforcement agencies and government prosecutors are committed to pursuing justice in the high-profile case.

“Ipagpatuloy po ang malalimang pag-iimbestiga para malaman kung sino ba talaga ang sangkot dito at mapanagot ang dapat mapanagot,” Castro said in a Palace briefing.

She added that the Department of Justice is currently evaluating four individuals who may serve as witnesses in the case.

“Mayroon pong apat na witnesses na maaaring tumulong, pero kailangan pa nilang i-evaluate ang mga testimony nila para malaman kung sino iyong puwedeng maging state witness,” she explained.

The Palace maintained confidence that the case will be resolved through legal means, amid reports linking influential personalities to the disappearances.

“Naniniwala po tayo sa integridad ng ating korte at ito ay masusolusyunan na naaayon sa batas at naaayon sa rule of law,” Castro said.

The 34 sabungeros were reported missing between 2021 and 2022. Police earlier said they were allegedly abducted due to involvement in cockfight match fixing.

A new twist emerged after one of the six suspects claimed in a recent TV interview that all 34 victims had been killed and their remains dumped in Taal Lake.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the suspect’s statement but have reiterated their commitment to uncovering the truth.