Manila, July 9 -- Malacanang on Wednesday called for a deeper investigation into the reported disappearance of individuals linked to online and illegal cockfighting.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. wants to ensure that justice is served, especially for the families of the victims.

This came as Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla bared in an interview over Bilyonaryo News Channel that individuals tagged in the missing 'sabungeros' case were also involved in the controversial drug war of the Duterte administration.

"Kung ganyan po ang nakikita sa mga imbestigasyon, mas lalo pa ito dapat palalimin, 'yung pag-iimbestiga dito. Dahil mukhang kone-konektado ang mga nagawang krimen, kung ito'y mapa...