Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Monday, June 23, that corroborating evidence has emerged which may support the claims of a key suspect in the case of 34 missing “sabungeros” or cockfight enthusiasts.
While he did not reveal the specifics of the evidence, Remulla appeared to refer to a suspect known as “Totoy,” who recently gave a televised interview alleging that all 34 “sabungeros” — missing since 2021 — were killed.
“Totoy,” a security guard at the Manila Arena, claimed the victims were executed for allegedly cheating in cockfighting matches. He also said some of them were buried in Taal Lake, Batangas.
“Totoy” assured he will soon reveal who ordered the killings and expressed his willingness to testify and turn state witness.
“Nakausap ko na s’ya bago pa dumating ang eleksyon at na-process na namin ang information,” Remulla told journalists in an interview.
“Meron kaming corroborative evidence na kasama,” he added.
When asked if the suspect would be placed under the government’s Witness Protection Program (WPP), Remulla said he had coordinated with Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas D. Torre III.
Remulla also assured the victims’ families that the government has not stopped working on the case.
“We have not given up on anything or anybody. Ganun talaga. Mabagal minsan ang kaso. Ito po ay proseso. Kinakailangan po may ebidensya na makakalap at ginagawa ho namin ang lahat,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy (PN) said it is waiting for a request from the DOJ to help in the retrieval of the remains of missing “sabungeros.”
Navy spokesperson Captain John Percie Alcos said the PN has yet to receive an official communication from the DOJ regarding the potential search and retrieval operation in Taal Lake.
“Most likely, once we receive notice or a request from other government agencies in this particular case, we will refer this to the Navy Special Operations Command (NAVSOCOM) because our technical divers are there,” he said. (Jeffrey Damicog, with a report from Martin Sadongdong)
