Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed that the Department of Justice (DOJ) now has “a very important witness” who has provided both testimonial and real evidence in connection with the case of missing “sabungeros”.
In a media interview on Tuesday, July 29, Remulla said the witness was secured shortly after the relief of a police service commander previously assigned to the investigation.
Although he did not identify either the witness or the police officer, Remulla emphasized that the witness reinforces the claims of Julie “Dondon/Totoy” Patidongan, a whistleblower and accused in the case who alleged that the missing men were killed for cheating, with some bodies dumped into Taal Lake in Batangas.
“This new witness knows a lot,” Remulla stated.
He added that the new witness offered not only testimonial evidence but also “real evidence.”
Remulla clarified that the relieved police officer had no direct involvement in the sabungeros case and said the move was approved by Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III to streamline the investigation.
Initial reports listed 34 victims, but Patidongan claimed that the actual number of individuals killed could be closer to 100.
Several suspects have emerged, though all have denied any participation in the crimes. (Jeffrey Damicog)
