MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang expressed support for a thorough investigation into the case of the missing cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros, as it reaffirmed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to deliver justice to the victims’ families.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said a comprehensive probe is necessary following Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla’s statement that the disappearances may be connected to the previous administration’s war on drugs.

“Kung ganiyan po ang nakikita sa mga imbestigasyon, mas lalo pa po dapat itong palawigin, iyong pag-iimbestiga rito dahil mukhang kone-konektado ang mga nagawang krimen,” Castro said during a Palace press briefing.

“Hindi po natin sinasabi na sila na po ay guilty pero mas gusto po ng Pangulo, iuutos po talaga niya na dapat mabigyan ng hustisya ang mga nabiktima,” she added.

Castro earlier said President Marcos had directed concerned agencies to continue their efforts to determine who is behind the disappearances and ensure accountability.

A total of 34 sabungeros went missing between 2021 and 2022, with police attributing the incidents to alleged involvement in match fixing.

Recently, one of the suspects in the kidnapping implicated several known personalities in the abduction and killing of the victims, claiming that their remains were dumped into Taal Lake.