DOJ: Families of missing sabungeros offered settlement money

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday said they are expediting the cases involving the missing sabungeros, as reports persist that some families were being offered settlement money.

Remulla noted that while there hasn’t been a new hearing yet, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has received reports of monetary offers being made to the victims’ families. However, he said they are not aware of the amounts involved.

“The State has taken a special interest in this case kasi nga this is an issue that concerns the country and our way of life,” Remulla said.

“Ang pinakamabigat d'yan, hindi maaaring ang taong maraming pera ang magsasabi kung sino ang pwedeng mabuhay at sino ang dapat mamatay… Wala nga tayong death penalty dito eh. Pero kung pera magdi-dictate niyan, ano na mangyayari sa lipunan natin? Kaya may interes dito ang estado nito,” he added.

Meanwhile, the DOJ is working to fast-track the inclusion of whistleblower and co-accused Julie “Dondon” Patidongan in the Witness Protection Program (WPP) as part of the ongoing probe into the disappearance of the cockfighting enthusiasts.

“We want to hurry up the process para mapasok natin siya sa Witness Protection (Program),” Remulla said.

He explained that securing Patidongan under the WPP would provide special funding for his protection, ensuring he and his family are monitored and guarded by a dedicated team.

Remulla said Patidongan will be officially included in the WPP a few days after the court filing.

He also noted that Patidongan’s fellow co-accused, Elakim, has already submitted a statement. Patidongan has done the same, strengthening the case.

He added: “But Jose will still be very helpful in this matter. So we're still working out many things so that he can give testimony here.”

According to police reports, a total of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts were reported missing between 2021 and 2022. Authorities believe the victims were kidnapped due to alleged match-fixing or cheating during cockfights.

When Patidongan surfaced, he claimed the victims had already been buried in Taal Lake. He also named businessman Atong Ang as the alleged mastermind and implicated actress Gretchen Barretto—both of whom have denied the accusations.

On August 1, multiple charges including murder, serious illegal detention, enforced disappearance, direct bribery, and obstruction of justice were filed against Ang and others.

Earlier, on July 14, Patidongan and families of the missing sabungeros filed a complaint-affidavit before the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) implicating 18 police officers in the disappearances.

NAPOLCOM has since imposed a 90-day preventive suspension on 12 active police officers, while six others have already been dismissed from service.