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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Charges in cases of missing 'sabungeros' ready for resolution -- DOJ

Charges in cases of missing 'sabungeros' ready for resolution -- DOJ

Published Oct 21, 2025 03:02 pm
A panel of prosecutors of the Department of Justice (DOJ) has submitted for resolution the complaints on the cases of the missing “sabungeros’ or cockfight enthusiasts.
Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Charlie Guhit, who chairs the panel conducting the preliminary investigation, assured that they will be fair in coming out with the resolution that would determine if the charges would be dismissed or would be filed in court.
Guhit explained “the panel declared that the preliminary investigation is already submitted for resolution, that is, after the complainant manifested they are not filing a reply to the counter-affidavits of the respondents.”
The panel conducted the preliminary investigation based on the complaints of the families of the victims who accused 61 respondents multiple counts of murder under the Revised Penal Code (RPC); multiple counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention under the RPC; violation of Republic Act (RA) 10353, An Act Defining and Penalizing Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance; obstruction of Justice under Presidential Decree No. 1829; violation of RA 11983 or the New Philippine Passport Act; corruption of public officials under the RPC; and violation of RA 9851, the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity.
Among the 61 respondents, Guhit noted that only 57 were able to file counter-affidavits that refuted the allegations. Among those who filed their counter-affidavits were businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and his family members, and actress Gretchen Barretto.
Guhit also said that whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan and his co-respondent brothers also did not file counter-affidavits but were able to submit “sinumpaang-salaysay” or sworn statements.
“Siguro makakamit na ang hustisya ng mga pamilya (Hopefully, the families may soon achieve the justice they deserve),” Patidongan told journalists.
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