The Department of Justice (DOJ) may soon file complaints in connection with the disappearance of several cockfight enthusiasts, Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla announced on Wednesday, July 30.
“Hinog na ang kaso,” he told journalists.
Remulla’s statement came as forensic experts continued analyzing human skeletal remains, including a skull, found in Taal Lake in Batangas.
“May mga nahanap na labi kahapon. Nasa crime lab na. May kasamang bungo ng tao at mga buto,” he confirmed, adding that DNA and dental analysis are underway to aid in identifying the victim.
He also reaffirmed the credibility of a witness, believed to be Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, who previously alleged that bodies linked to the missing sabungeros were dumped into the lake.
However, Remulla emphasized that it remains uncertain whether the recovered remains are connected to the specific individuals reported missing.
“Marahil hindi lang krimen sa sabong. Sabi ko nga maaaring sa drug war, maaaring sa ibang krimen na involved ang death squad na ito na gumagawa ng trabaho,” he explained.
In the meantime, he said the investigators are already completing the affidavits or sworn statements so that complaints can be filed.
He also said he will ask the investigators to speed up their work since the crimes happened in 2020 or five years ago.
“Time will not wait. We have to do this immediately because time is passing,” he stressed.
Remulla said he is set to meet with the new witness in the “sabungeros’ case.
He said the new witness has been interviewed. Again, he did not disclose the name of the new witness nor the issues discussed during the interview. (Jeffery Damicog)
