Manila, June 26 -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday warned that powerful figures might be behind the missing "sabungeros" (cockfight afficionados) case, with money to influence even the courts.

"Tandaan nyo ambigat ng kalaban dito, ang pera nyan nakakapasok even sa judiciary (Remember, our adversary here is a heavyweight, with money to infiltrate even the judiciary). And that's one thing that we might have to talk to the Chief Justice about, kasi mabigat ang pera ng e-sabong, hindi ito basta-basta kalaban (e-sabong money is heavy, it's not to be taken lightly)" Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in an interview with reporters.

"(B)asta yung sinasabi ng mastermind, in his own words, kahit Supreme Court daw kaya nya (...