NBI offers forensic help for missing sabungeros

NBI Director Jaime Santiago has offered his agency's forensic expertise, including lie detector tests and DNA analysis, to assist in the investigation of missing cockfight enthusiasts from 2021 to 2022.

Julie Patidongan claimed that the bodies of the 34 missing sabungeros were buried in Taal Lake and urged her to name specific NBI personnel allegedly involved in their disappearance.

The Philippine government has requested technical assistance from Japan for the case, while the Department of Science and Technology also expressed its willingness to provide expertise and equipment for the search.

Last week, Patidongan implicated businessman Atong Ang as a mastermind behind the disappearance and linked actress Gretchen Barretto to the case; both have denied the allegations.

Santiago emphasized that it is unfair to drag the entire NBI organization into the issue without identifying specific individuals involved.