Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday said the Department of Justice (DOJ) is closely investigating the case of the 34 missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts), emphasizing that the matter has become one of national interest and is now “beyond private complaints.”

However, Remulla declined to comment on recent public statements made by individuals linked to the case, including businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, who has accused self-confessed witness Julie “Don-Don” Patidongan (alias “Totoy”) of extortion. Ang has filed a complaint alleging that Patidongan tried to solicit money from him.

"I cannot comment on that," Remulla said when asked about the extortion claims.

He also refused to be drawn into the defense camp’s assertion that Patidongan’s statements should not be trusted due to the lack of a sworn affidavit.

“Actually, may statement na siya eh,” Remulla confirmed, without elaborating.

While declining to disclose specific findings, Remulla stressed that the DOJ has gathered a substantial amount of information.

“Sometimes you can suffer from indigestion from the information that came out,” he said, referring to the volume of statements and documents received.

The DOJ chief underscored that the investigation is methodical and evidence-driven.

“This is the interest of the state. This is the interest of the people — na magkaroon ng katapusan itong kasong ito,” he said. “We have to be satisfied not just with curiosity but with a sense of justice. That’s the primary mover in this case.”

Remulla said public pronouncements from any of the involved parties will not affect the DOJ’s probe. “No, it will not affect us anymore... We've been looking at this case for the last three years,” he said, adding that the DOJ has been working on the matter since the start of the Marcos administration.

He acknowledged the initial doubts surrounding the case due to the involvement of powerful individuals.

“Maraming hindi naniniwala noon na may mangyayari dito… Pero we never lost faith. It's all a process. It does not happen overnight,” he said.

Locating disappeared sabungeros

As for efforts to locate the remains of the missing sabungeros, Remulla confirmed that authorities are planning a search in a lake believed to be a possible dumping site.

“It’s a freshwater lake, more than 21 square kilometers. It’s deep. But we have good leads. Alam na namin kung saan maghahanap at kung paano gagawin ito,” he said.

Remulla explained that the lake’s terrain presents unique challenges.

“Yung usual na ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) are used for seabeds. Eh ito lakebed ito — different buoyancy, different terrain,” he said.

To aid the search, the government is coordinating with both local and international partners.

“We’re working with the Japanese embassy and also with the Philippine Coast Guard and Navy. Technical divers are on standby,” Remulla added.

Mapping the lakebed is a key next step to guide the deployment of specialized equipment and divers, as the 34 missing sabungeros were last seen in various cockfighting arenas between late 2021 and early 2022.

Their disappearances sparked nationwide concern, with families calling for accountability and justice. The DOJ has yet to issue a final report, but Remulla said they will do what they have to do.