MANILA, Aug. 27 -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) has completed the evaluation stage of its probe into the case of dozens of missing 'sabungeros' (cockfight enthusiasts).

"The evaluation of the cases pertaining to the missing sabungeros have been completed and it will now be subjected to preliminary investigation. Subject to the receipt by the panel of the records, subpoenas will be issued for the conduct of the preliminary investigation on dates to be determined by the (prosecution) panel," Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon told reporters on Wednesday.

He declined to name who would be summoned for the preliminary investigation.

Whistleblower Julie Patidongan earlier named a group of 20 individuals supposedly in control of t...