CIDG releases composite sketches of 2 suspects in missing 'sabungero' case

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Thursday released composite sketches of two suspects in the disappearance of a cockfight enthusiast in Laguna.

The CIDG earlier said it obtained a phone video where two suspected cops and a missing “sabungero” were seen outside a cockfighting arena in Santa Cruz  on April 28, 2021.

CIDG chief Police Brigadier General Ronald Lee said the video showed that the sabungero was in handcuffs.

“Based on the ‘secret’ cellphone video showing two men and a handcuffed missing sabungero walking outside a cockfighting arena in Santa Cruz, Laguna on April 28, 2021, we now hold vital evidence on our probe in the disappearance of the said sabungeros,” he said.

The man in handcuffs was positively identified by his wife and brother as Michael Bautista—one of the 34 missing sabungeros—based on his haircut, body built, and personal belongings.

According to the CIDG, investigators already have leads on the identity of the two men while the cellphone video is being enhanced at the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group.

“Kinakailangan pa rin nating ipa-enhance 'yung video upang ma-establish nating mabuti ang pagkakakilanlan nung mga suspek na hinihinalang mga pulis,” Lee said.

(We need to enhance the video so we can really establish the identities of the suspects who are believed to be police officers.)

The CIDG said a criminal complaint against the suspects is currently being prepared for filing before the Department of Justice.

Initially, complaints have been filed against eight identified persons and several John Does involved in the Manila Arena case and against five PNP personnel and their cohorts in the Ricardo Lasco kidnapping  early this year, the CIDG said.—AOL, GMA Integrated News