A panel of prosecutors from the Department of Justice (DOJ) has submitted for resolution the complaints concerning the disappearance of several sabungeros, or cockfight enthusiasts, marking a key step in preliminary investigation.
Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Charlie Guhit, who chairs the panel conducting the preliminary investigation, assured that they will be fair in issuing a resolution that will determine whether the charges will be dismissed or filed in court.
Guhit explained, “The panel has declared that the preliminary investigation is now submitted for resolution, following the complainants’ manifestation that they will not file a reply to the respondents’ counter-affidavits.”
The panel conducted the investigation based on complaints filed by the victims’ families, who accused 61 respondents of multiple counts of murder under the Revised Penal Code (RPC); multiple counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention under the RPC; violation of Republic Act (RA) 10353, or the Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act; obstruction of justice under Presidential Decree No. 1829; violation of RA 11983, or the New Philippine Passport Act; corruption of public officials under the RPC; and violation of RA 9851, or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity.
Of the 61 respondents, Guhit noted that only 57 were able to file counter-affidavits refuting the allegations.
Among those who submitted counter-affidavits were businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, his family members, and actress Gretchen Barretto.
Guhit added that whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan and his co-respondent brothers did not file counter-affidavits but were able to submit sinumpaang salaysay, or sworn statements.
“Siguro makakamit na ang hustisya ng mga pamilya,” Patidongan told journalists. (Jeffrey Damicog)
