The Philippine National Police (PNP) transmitted additional files and documents to the Department of Justice (DOJ) as part of its continuing investigation into the disappearance of individuals linked to online ‘sabong’ (cockfighting) operations.
“The submission of these files is part of our continuing effort to build a strong and credible case. These documents contain additional pieces of evidence gathered through painstaking investigation and are now with the Department of Justice for proper evaluation,” said PNP Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. in a statement.
“While we cannot disclose details due to the sensitivity of the case, we believe they will help establish accountability and aid in the identification of those responsible,” Nartatez added.
The PNP through the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) submitted five flash drives and new witness affidavits to DOJ prosecutors handling the preliminary investigation into the “missing sabungeros” case.
The probe covers murder and kidnapping with serious illegal detention complaints filed by the PNP and the victims’ families against gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang, actress Gretchen Barretto, and others.
“We assure the families of the missing sabungeros that the PNP remains fully committed to pursuing this case until justice is achieved. We recognize their long and painful wait for answers, and we continue to exert all efforts to bring closure. This includes exhausting all leads, providing evidence to the DOJ, and ensuring that no angle is left unchecked,” Nartatez said.
While timelines in complex cases depend on judicial proceedings, he assured that the PNP is pressing forward without letup in close coordination with the DOJ.
“The PNP operates on the principle that no one is above the law. Our mandate is to enforce the law impartially, and we will not allow power or connections to interfere with the investigation or the pursuit of justice,” Nartatez said.
