The Department of Justice (DOJ) remains undaunted by reports that some families of the missing sabungeros may withdraw from the criminal proceedings in exchange for a settlement, saying that the case will proceed “with or without them.”

This was according to Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon, who said any out-of-court agreement or withdrawal would only affect the civil aspect of the case, not the criminal aspect.

Recently, the panel of prosecutors recommended the filing of multiple counts of criminal charges, including kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping with serious illegal detention, against businessman Charlie Tiu Hay Ang (Atong Ang) and 21 others in connection with the high-profile disappearances.

The DOJ official explained that the criminal prosecution is separate from any civil compensation sought by the victims’ families.

He said it would refer only to the civil aspect of the case, as the civil aspect, even if settled, does not affect the criminal aspect.

Fadullon said it does not mean that because there was alleged payment, the case is already settled and may no longer push through.

He noted that the case’s strength does not hinge solely on the families’ testimony because the relatives were not present at the crime scene. Their knowledge is based on information relayed to them by others, he pointed out.

“Because even if their testimonies of the families were taken out, remember they are not in the crime scene when the case happened,” said Fadullon.

He added, “So what they know is based on knowledge relayed to them by other people. Now, can the case stand without the testimonies of the family members? Yes, it can. So it can still proceed.”