Families of missing sabungeros gathered outside the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Ermita, Manila, for a prayer rally, calling for the resolution of their murder complaint against businessman Atong Ang and others.

The rally was held ahead of the observance of Undas.

“I believe that in the coming days, we will finally attain the justice we have been seeking. I also believe that the decision in the resolution we are waiting for will be fair and impartial,” said the mother of Kiel Daniel Bohol.

The criminal complaint, filed last week, names Ang, actress Gretchen Barretto, former National Capital Region Police Office chief retired Police General Jonnel Estomo, and others. It was submitted for resolution and covers kidnapping with serious illegal detention, multiple murder, and other charges related to the disappearance of 34 sabungeros in seven separate incidents from 2021 to 2022.

The respondents have denied the allegations against them.

During the rally, families brought posters of their missing relatives and hung a tarpaulin depicting Ang behind bars, which they later pelted with eggs and tomatoes. Two participants also wore masks featuring the faces of Ang and Barretto.

Bohol said she believes the government will not favor the wealthy in its judgment.

“The government must show that its decision will be impartial and not biased, even toward the rich. People like us—the poor—will once again have faith that we will be given justice. Justice is not only for the rich. It is also for us,” she said.

Meanwhile, Carmelita Lasco, mother of Ricardo Lasco, vowed that the families would continue to pursue justice and would not be swayed by money or bribes. “Until we see our families’ bodies, we still have hope,” she added.

As of 12 October, some 887 human bones have been retrieved from Taal Lake amid the ongoing search for the missing sabungeros.

The investigation began after whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan claimed that more than 100 sabungeros were abducted, killed, and dumped in Taal Lake.