DOJ, PNP discuss Witness Protection Program for missing sabungero suspect —Remulla

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have discussed the possible enrolment of alias “Totoy,” one of the accused in the kidnapping case of the missing sabungeros, into the Witness Protection Program.

According to Darlene Cay’s Monday report on “24 Oras,” the DOJ and PNP’s meeting came after Totoy expressed willingness to testify in court, adding that his life and his family's lives are being threatened.

“Basta, we’re processing the information first, pero may arrangement na kami ni PNP Chief Torre,” DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said.

(We’re processing the information first, but we already have an arrangement with PNP chief Police General Nicolas Torre III.)

He added that the DOJ has evidence that can support Totoy’s statements, but did not go into the details.

“Meron kaming corroborative evidence na kasama. Basta meron kaming ibang klaseng evidence pa,” Remulla said.

(We have corroborative evidence and other types of evidence.)

He added that 10 suspects revealed by Totoy are also being investigated.

However, Totoy has yet to submit a formal affidavit.

The DOJ also denied allegations from the families of the missing sabungeros that the government has abandoned them.

“No such thing. Talagang hindi kami nag gi-give eh. We have not given up on anything or anybody. Ganun lang talaga, mabagal minsan ang kaso. Ito po ay proseso. Kinakailangan may ebidensya na makakalap at ginagawa ho namin ang lahat,” Remulla said.

“Kagaya nga niyan, sabi ko nga, nakausap ko na siya bago pa dumating yung election at na-process na namin yung information,” he added.

(No such thing. We have not given up on anything or anybody. Sometimes, the progress of the case is slow because this is a process, and we need to gather evidence. We’re doing what we can. I talked to him before the elections, and we processed the information.) —GMA Integrated News