Suspect to testify in missing sabungeros case

A key witness has expressed willingness to testify in the missing sabungeros case, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Wednesday.

This development comes as the Department of Justice (DOJ) nears the conclusion of its review into the 2021 disappearance of at least 34 sabungeros (cockfight enthusiasts), with one of the suspects now ready to testify in court.

Remulla confirmed that a potential witness has come forward to share what he knows about the abductions, which have remained unresolved for nearly four years.

Remulla said the man must formally appear before authorities as the case progresses toward trial.

“He needs to come here, and we will give him our attention,” Remulla told reporters. “We’re still reviewing the case, but it’s almost done—very close,” said Remulla.

The witness reportedly decided to cooperate after receiving death threats, which extended to his family.

He also expressed remorse for his prior involvement in the case and said he could no longer live with the guilt, particularly knowing the pain caused to the parents of the missing victims. The suspect has requested not to be publicly identified due to serious threats to his safety.

However, the witness denied police reports initially linking him to a mobile video showing two men escorting a handcuffed man—later identified as missing sabungero Michael Bautista—outside a cockpit in Santa Cruz, Laguna.

The witness said the individuals in the video were a driver and a security escort. He added that one of them has a tattoo on his foot, which could help confirm their identity.

The witness further claimed that Bautista was brought to another person after allegedly cheating during a cockfight—a practice known as tyope, which involves manipulating the blade attached to the bird. Bautista’s family has denied the accusation.

He is currently completing an affidavit detailing his knowledge of the disappearances and has formally requested government protection. He believes that by telling the truth, he may help resolve the case—but he also fears for his life, even if offered money to remain silent.

For his part, Remulla acknowledged that threats are “natural” in cases involving criminal syndicates.

The DOJ chief said the testimony must be assessed alongside existing evidence and other witness statements, particularly video records.

"If the witness statement matches the others and the videos, then it’s something we have to hear. Someone directly involved usually speaks more truthfully."

He emphasized that any meeting with the witness must follow legal procedures, rejecting informal arrangements. “We can’t just meet on a Saturday. That’s not how it works,” he said.

To recall, the disappearance of the sabungeros—many of whom were last seen in cockfighting arenas or in the custody of unidentified men—sparked a national outcry in 2021.

The case remains unsolved to this day, with growing suspicions of police or organized criminal involvement.