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Businessman Atong Ang, others charged before DOJ in cases of 'missing sabungeros'

Philippines | National

Businessman Atong Ang, others charged before DOJ in cases of 'missing sabungeros'

By Jeff Damicog

Families of missing “sabungeros” have filed criminal complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and several other persons.

Charlene Lasco, a sister of missing “sabungero” Ricardo Lasco, said she and other families filed complaints of multiple murder and serious illegal detention against Ang and other respondents.

Lasco told journalists that she and the other families filed the complaints against Ang whom they long suspected as responsible for the victims.

She added that the other accused included policemen. Their names were not disclosed.

With the filing of the complaints, the DOJ will appoint a panel of prosecutors to conduct a preliminary investigation which will determine if charges should be filed in court against Ang and his co-respondents.

“It’s really up to the prosecution panel to determine kung ano ang tamang gawin sa bawat reklamo na nai-file ngayong araw (what the proper thing to do with the complaints that were filed today),” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said.

Remulla assured the respondents named in the complaints that due process will be upheld.

“We do not condemn without listening. Ang mahalaga due process (What is important is due process),” he said during a press briefing at the DOJ.

He reminded of the constitutional provision that no person will be deprived of life, liberty and property without due process of law.

Representing the other families, Lasco urged the DOJ to study the complaints so that charges can be filed in court and arrest orders can be issued.

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