The camp of businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang is urging authorities to return the investigation into the “missing sabungeros” to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Lawyer Gabriel Villareal argued that the PNP, through its Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), is best positioned to conduct a reinvestigation that would aid the Department of Justice (DOJ) in building a stronger case.
“What he’s asking the panel is to return the entire case to the CIDG for a proper and impartial probe,” Villareal said, noting that the request was already outlined in the affidavit submitted to the DOJ.
While Ang could have sought outright dismissal, Villareal said his client instead chose to pursue a reinvestigation to dispel any doubts surrounding the identities of those allegedly involved in the sabungeros’ disappearance.
And according to Villareal, it starts with the conduct of the reinvestigation of the case which, he said, could be properly done by the PNP since the conduct of a probe is the police’s line of expertise.
Ang has been denying his involvement in the disappearance of the cockfighters after his name came up based on the statements made by whistleblower Julie Patidongan.
Ang has already filed a case against Patidongan whose statements resulted in the suspension of at least 15 policemen, the highest ranking is a police colonel.
Villareal said Ang personally appeared to the DOJ to submit the affidavit, adding that the move was also aimed at proving that he did not leave the country. (Aaron Recuenco)
