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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOJ sets formal probe on 'missing sabungeros' case to determine if charges will be filed in court

DOJ sets formal probe on 'missing sabungeros' case to determine if charges will be filed in court

Published Aug 27, 2025 05:49 pm
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to issue subpoenas to persons reportedly involved in the cases of “missing sabungeros” for the conduct of preliminary investigation that would determine if charges will be filed in court.
“The evaluation of the cases pertaining to the ‘missing sabungeros’ has been completed and will now be subjected to preliminary investigation,” said Prosecutor General Richard Anthony D. Fadullon on Wednesday, Aug. 27.
Fadullon, however, did not disclose the names of those who will be subpoenaed “in deference to the panel (of prosecutors) that will conduct the investigation.”
Last Aug. 1, families of the “missing sabungeros” filed before the DOJ criminal complaints against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and other persons over their alleged involvement in the disappearance of the cockfight enthusiasts.
The complainants accused them of multiple murder and serious illegal detention.
Ang had denied the charges leveled against him.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recorded 34 “missing sabungeros” since 2021 but whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patindongan claimed that there are over 100 who have been killed and most of them dumped in the Taal Lake in Batangas where law enforcers conducted search for the remains.
Patidongan and five co-accused are already facing charges of six counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention before Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 185 in connection with the 2022 disappearance of six “sabungeros” who were enroute to the cockfight venue Manila Arena from Tanay, Rizal.
Also, three policemen are facing similar charges before the RTC in San Pablo, Laguna in connection with the “missing sabungeros” case.
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