BI to monitor attempt of suspects in 'sabungeros' case to leave PH
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Sunday, Aug. 31, assured that it will closely watch the country’s international ports for any attempt of the persons charged in the case of the missing “sabungeros” to leave the country.
BI Spokesperson Dana Sandoval said Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado issued the directive even if the bureau has not received an immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) from the Department of Justice (DOJ).
“We have yet to receive a copy of the order, but as a proactive measure, the Commissioner has instructed all ports to monitor their travels,” Sandoval said.
The DOJ had earlier said that among those charged by the families of the missing “sabungeros” were business Charlie “Atong” Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto who both had denied the allegations against them.
The DOJ also said the evaluation of the complaints for multiple murder and illegal detention had been terminated and a panel of prosecutors will now conduct the preliminary investigation to determine if the charges will be filed in court.
Prosecutor General Richard Anthony D. Fadullon said that while the preliminary investigation is ongoing, the panel may ask the courts to issue precautionary hold departure orders (PHDOs) that will stop those charged from leaving the country.
While an ILBO can only monitor and report suspects in criminal offenses if they attempt to leave the country, the court-issued PHDO can stop their departure.
The names of all respondents in the “sabungeros” case will be known once the DOJ issues subpoenas for them to appear during the preliminary investigation.