THE Office of the President has ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a thorough investigation on the cases of missing cockfight betting enthusiasts (sabungeros).Malacañang ordered the PNP and NBI to submit to the Office of the President and Department of Justice their findings within 30 days.It also ordered the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) to investigate the licensees for any violation of its electronic sabong (e-sabong) and ensure that they are complying with their existing terms of agreements, especially on security and surveillance requirements, particularly the installation of CCTV systems in their facilities.“Unless otherwise directed, the operations of e-sabong licensees shall remain unaffected pending the result of the above investigations,” Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said in a memorandum issued to concern government agencies.This was Malacañang’s response to the resolution of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs urging President Rodrigo Duterte to order the suspension of e-sabong operations until the cases of missing sabungeros are resolved.The Senate committee, headed by Senator Ronald dela Rosa, has launched an inquiry into the matter. It has identified 34 sabungeros who went missing.READ: Senate eyeing transfer of authority over e-sabong to CongressDuring the hearing on March 4, PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) director Major General Eliseo Cruz said charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention are being readied against six persons of interest in the disappearance of six sabungeros after attending a cockfighting event at the Manila Arena on January 13.He said they have also identified several persons of interest in the alleged abduction of several other sabungeros in Laguna and Batangas.In the same hearing, Pagcor chairperson Andrea Domingo expressed apprehension on the suspension of e-sabong operations, noting that it may mean billions worth of lost revenue for the government. (SunStar Philippines)