DoJ prepping for another missing ‘sabungero’ probe

The Department of Justice (DoJ) is preparing to conduct another preliminary investigation into the disappearance of several sabungeros (cockfight enthusiasts), following new allegations made by whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan.

Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon said Thursday that gambling tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang may be included as a respondent, depending on the outcome of the new investigation.

Fadullon said the DoJ will first determine if sufficient evidence exists to justify Ang’s inclusion in this case. 

The case currently pending before a Manila court involves the alleged abduction and serious illegal detention of sabungeros John Claude Inonog, James Baccay, Marlon Baccay, Rondel Cristorum, Mark Joseph Velasco and Rowel Gomez.

Fadullon declined to discuss possible scenarios for the new probe, saying he did not want to speculate because he had yet to receive details on the status of the Manila Arena case, the original case filed against Ang and 21 others.

He said it is best to wait for the panel to begin the new preliminary investigation and issue a subpoena to Ang, if warranted.

Patidongan, who implicated Ang and several others in the disappearances, is one of the respondents in the latest Manila case, along with five others. He has also been admitted as a state witness in the original case involving missing sabungeros.

Fadullon said it is too early to say if Patidongan will be discharged as a respondent in the Manila case, although his testimony may be used in the new investigation.

“I suppose so since those pieces of evidence were not available at the time the case was filed or investigated. So that will be taken into account,” he said.

Families of the victims have also refiled their complaints, allowing evidence previously unavailable to be considered. With the new information, Fadullon said another preliminary investigation is necessary.

A government panel of prosecutors recently found prima facie evidence for kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping with serious illegal detention. 

The same panel dismissed the complaints against actress Gretchen Barretto, former NCRPO chief retired police general Jonnel Estomo, and Ang’s children and relatives.