PNP units on alert as DOJ advances missing sabungeros investigation

The Philippine National Police (PNP) prepares for arrest against the accused in the case of missing sabungeros as the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed on Oct. 21 that the murder complaint involving the disappearance of 34 sabungeros has been formally submitted for resolution.

This makes it the most advanced stage of the case since the disappearances were first reported in 2021. 

PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and local police units to be on standby in case a warrant of arrest is issued against the accused in the case.

“The PNP has prepared security and monitoring measures to ensure peace and order once the resolution is released,” Nartatez said.

Once the resolution is issued, prosecutors will determine whether to file the complaint in court and move forward with issuing indictments and charges, or dismiss it.

“The panel will try to resolve the case as soon as possible, within the period provided by the rules. Right now, wala pang specific date when are we going to issue the resolution to this case,” he said.

Investigators also confirmed the recovery of 887 human bone fragments from Taal Lake.

Justice spokesperson Polo Martinez expressed that the team has recovered and submitted three sets of human remains, consisting of 265 bones, though no positive results have yet been found on the DNA analysis with samples taken from the victims’ families.

A total of 57 respondents filed their counter-affidavits including alleged mastermind Atong  Ang, actress Gretchen Barretto and former National Capital Region Police Office chief retired Police General Jonnel Estomo.

At least 18 police officers were named in the complaint consolidated by the DOJ, according to earlier disclosures by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM). 

Some of these officers are reportedly still in active service pending the resolution of the case.

The DOJ has not given a specific release date for the resolution but said it is expected “soon,” after which arrests and the filing of charges in court may proceed.

The missing sabungeros case involves at least 34 missing individuals from 2021 to 2022, whose disappearances are now being probed as abduction, murder and illegal detention. 

Earlier this year, whistle-blower identified as Julie “Dondon” Patidongan (alias “Totoy”) has alleged that some of the victims were killed and their remains dumped in Taal Lake in Batangas.