President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday vowed to use the full force of the law against those behind the abduction and alleged killing of dozens of cockfight enthusiasts or sabungeros.

Various government agencies have joined forces to solve the case, President Marcos said in his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“Nagtutulungan ang buong pamahalaan para lutasin ang mga kaso ng mga nawawala dahil sa walang pakundangang kagagawan ng mga sindikato sa likod ng madilim na mundo ng mga sabungan,” the President said.

It would not matter if civilians with big influence and former officials are behind the disappearances, President Marcos said.

“Hahabulin at pananagutin natin ang mga utak at mga sangkot, sibilyan man o opisyal. Kahit malakas, mabigat, o mayaman, hindi sila mangingibabaw sa batas,” the Chief Executive said.

“Ipararamdam natin sa mga salarin ang bigat ng parusa sa karumal-dumal na krimen na mga ito,” President Marcos stated.

Investigators are eyeing possible links of individuals allegedly behind the case of the missing “sabungeros” (cockfight aficionados) and extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the past administration’s war on drugs. | PND