MANILA, Philippines — The lawyer of the family of Angelito Sisnorio Jr. is gathering evidence against a Filipino matchmaker, his suspected accomplice and the boxer’s listed manager to determine their culpability in his death.
North Cotabato Governor Emmanuel Pi?ol Tuesday said lawyer Russel Abonado’s inquiry would focus on a certain Bong Obero, the matchmaker who allegedly brought Sisnorio to Bangkok for a series of illegal fights.
Sisnorio, 24, died hours after getting knocked out in the fourth round by Thailand’s former world champion Chatchai Sasakul on March 30.
Abonado is also expected to interview Rey Paciones, the former Philippine superflyweight champion suspected of being an accomplice of Obero, and Gemmil Contayoso, Sisnorio’s listed manager, said Pi?ol.
“The police have started their own investigation, but we will try to look into the culpability of individuals linked to the death of Sisnorio,” said Pi?ol, who assigned Abonado to personally handle the case.
Sisnorio’s remains arrived Thursday night from Bangkok and were flown to General Santos City Friday morning. The remains were later brought to Sisnorio’s home in Barangay San Jose, Koronadal City.
“After gathering all the pieces of evidence, we will determine what case to file against those individuals responsible,” Pi?ol added.
Pi?ol has virtually exonerated the Games and Amusements Board for its failure to prevent Sisnorio from fighting illegally abroad but suggested that the regulatory body for professional sports should coordinate closely with the Bureau of Immigration in the future.
“Once the GAB provides the master list (of boxers), the BI will have a watchlist of boxers not allowed to compete overseas,” he said.
