The Philippine National Police (PNP) has submitted new evidence to the Department of Justice (DOJ) as part of the ongoing investigation into the case of the missing “sabungeros,” according to acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr.
He said the submission aims to strengthen the case against those allegedly involved in the disappearance of individuals linked to online sabong operations.
“These documents contain crucial evidence gathered through meticulous investigation and are now with the DOJ for proper evaluation,” Nartatez stated. “While we cannot disclose specific details due to the sensitivity of the case, we believe this will help establish accountability and assist in identifying those responsible.”
It was the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group which submitted five flash drives and new witness affidavits to DOJ prosecutors handling the preliminary investigation into the missing sabungeros.
The investigation covers murder and kidnapping with serious illegal detention complaints filed by the PNP and the victims’ families against Charlie “Atong” Ang, Gretchen Barretto, and others.
Both Ang and Barreto denied the allegations.
Ang, for his part, filed a case against Julie Patidongan who earlier linked the former to the case.
While timelines in complex cases depend on judicial proceedings, Nartatez assured that the PNP is pressing forward without letup in close coordination with the DOJ.
“We assure the families of the missing sabungeros that the PNP remains fully committed to pursuing this case until justice is achieved,” Nartatez said. (Aaron Recuenco)
