DOJ eyes to reinvestigate ongoing Manila case on missing sabungeros

Following whistleblower Julie "Dondon" Patidongan's alleged revelations about the controversy, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is planning to conduct another preliminary investigation in connection with an ongoing Manila court case on the missing sabungeros or cockfight enthusiasts.

Prosecutor General Richard "Dong" Fadullon issued the statement Thursday, adding that businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang could be included as a respondent in the case.

"Puwede pa siyang masama doon. Kaya lang kailangan magkaroon muna ng preliminary investigation at malaman talagang mayroong ebidensya patungkol sa kanya na magiging basehan para siya ay masama doon sa kaso," he said.

(Ang can be included in the case. But there must first be a preliminary investigation to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to use as basis for his inclusion.)

Fadullon was referring to the ongoing kidnapping and serious illegal detention case filed with a Manila court for the alleged kidnapping of sabungeros John Claude Inonog, James Baccay, Marlon Baccay, Rondel Cristorum, Mark Joseph Velasco, and Rowel Gomez.

Asked about the possible scenarios for the new probe, Fadullon said he could not speculate.

"Because I have no details as to how the case has been progressing in the Manila Arena Case. I think it's best that we wait until the panel begins or commences the preliminary investigation and summons or subpoenas Mr. Atong Ang," he said.

Patidongan, who linked Ang and other individuals in the sabungeros' disappearances, is among the respondents in the Manila case, along with five others. 

He has been discharged as a state witness in another case involving the sabungeros.

However, Fadullon said he could not state yet whether or not Patidongan will be discharged as a respondent in the Manila case.

He also said Patidongan's testimony may be used in the new preliminary probe.

"I suppose so kasi those pieces of evidence were not available during that time when the case was filed or investigated. So that will be taken into account," he said.

"And in fact, I think the families of victims also re-filed their complaint when these cases were revived. So ang mangyayari niyan (So what will happen) is whatever evidence or whatever pieces of evidence were not available then can still be utilized. But since there are new pieces of evidence, a preliminary investigation will necessarily have to be conducted first," he added.

DOJ prosecutors recently found prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction to charge Ang and 21 others with kidnapping with homicide and/or kidnapping with serious illegal detention.

Meanwhile, the panel dismissed the complaint against actress Gretchen Barretto, former National Capital Region Police Office chief retired Police General Jonnel Estomo, and Ang's children and relatives. — VDV, GMA Integrated News