DOJ mulls precautionary hold departure orders vs suspects in missing 'sabungeros' case
The Department of Justice (DOJ) may ask the courts to issue precautionary hold departure orders (PHDOs) against suspects in the missing “sabungeros” case to prevent them from leaving the country.
Prosecutor General Richard Anthony D. Fadullon said that during the preliminary investigation of criminal cases, the prosecution is allowed to apply for PHDOs.
“So, we will study that if, for example, there are bases to anticipate that any of them might abscond or probably leave the country or there is that danger then the prosecutors handling the case can apply for PHDOs,” he also said.
Aside from PHDOs, Fadullon said the DOJ may issue immigration lookout bulletin orders that will direct the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to monitor if any of the respondents will leave the country.
Earlier, the DOJ had said that prosecutors have finished the evaluation of the charges filed against persons suspected to have involvement in the deaths of the missing “sabungeros” (cockfight enthusiasts).
After the evaluation, the preliminary investigation will be conducted to determine if the charges will be filed in court.
Neither the DOJ nor Fadullon disclosed the names of those who will be subjected to preliminary investigation.
Last Aug. 1, families of missing “sabungeros” filed before the DOJ criminal complaints against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and other persons over their alleged involvement in the case. Ang had denied the allegations against him.
Fadullon said that the subpoenas to respondents named in the complaints will be issued starting next week.