Justice groups welcome DOJ move vs missing sabungeros

The Department of Justice (DOJ)’s move to file criminal cases over the missing sabungeros was hailed by the Justice for Missing Sabungero Network on Wednesday, calling it a long-awaited step toward accountability after nearly half a decade of anguish.

The group said the indictment of businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and several others is a significant development, but stressed that it does not yet amount to full justice.

“After half a decade of waiting and suffering, there is finally movement toward justice,” the families said, noting that the filing of cases is “an important step, but not the end.” They emphasized that the fight will continue until all those responsible are held to account.

The group said it will not accept “half-justice,” insisting that truth and full accountability must emerge in the proceedings.

It added that the DOJ’s dismissal of charges against several respondents—albeit without prejudice—highlights that “the full picture is still incomplete.”

The network strongly urged authorities to complete the investigation, identify all accomplices, and ensure that no one escapes liability.

It also appealed to the courts to prevent further cases of Filipinos disappearing without a trace, leaving families with no grave to visit.

“This is a reminder that no family should ever again experience losing a loved one with no answers and no place to mourn,” the group said.

Earlier, the DOJ announced it would file 26 informations before various regional trial courts, involving multiple counts of kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping with serious illegal detention in connection with the missing sabungeros case.