30 probed in Los Sabungeros

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla disclosed Friday that there are more than 30 persons who are under investigation for their alleged involvement in the case of missing “sabungeros.”

This was revealed by Remulla after talking with accused and whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan who visited the secretary at the Department of Justice.

Remulla said that based on the testimonies of Patidongan, “there may be more than 30 persons” involved in the case of the “sabungeros.”

But the DOJ chief did not name them. Already implicated by Patidongan were a businessman, an actress, and several police officers who have denied any involvement.

Remulla said the DOJ has been conducting the investigation and will prosecute those found involved.

“We are going through that process. ‘Yun ang aming tinatrabaho (That’s what we are working on),” he also said.

Also, Remulla said that, so far, Patidongan has been “very reliable.” “Marami s’yan alam talaga (he really knows a lot) and so we have to know what he knows,” he also said.

He said that Patidongan has not been placed under the DOJ’s Witness Protection Program “but the door is open.”

Meanhwile, Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano on Friday disclosed that the Philippine Coast Guard temporarily placed on standy their technical divers due to heavy rains.

In a message Clavano said, “On  or about 18 July at 9:29 in the morning Coast Guard underwater search operations utilizing its tech divers and ROV was temporarily placed on standby due to continuous rainfall and surface runoff from the near river.

Clavano added, elevated turbidity levels siginificantly reduced underwater visibility resulting in unfavorable condition for the conduct of any diving operations.

He said an update will  be given shortly.