The Commission on Human Rights on Wednesday called for an urgent and coordinated action amid new testimony that surfaced in the case of the missing “sabungeros” from 2021.
Last June 24, CHR Commissioner and spokesperson Beda Epres, along with other officials, met with the victims’ families in a consultation-dialogue to learn about the appropriate steps forward and discuss how the Commission could continue supporting their search for truth and justice.
“The CHR is here to pursue our investigation. One suspect in the crime, who came forward, expressing his willingness to divulge all the things that he knew, is a welcome development,” he said.
Epres appealed to all relevant government agencies to take a collective action and address the case with urgency.
“We call on all government agencies if we could help one another — the CHR, Department of Justice, Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard — so that once and for all, we can put an end to this case, and that our long-desired justice could be achieved,” he said.
The Commission called for the protection of the witnesses to ensure their safety and enable them to share information freely and truthfully, and hoped that more witnesses would surface.
A self-confessed suspect claimed not less than 34 cockfighter enthusiasts were killed and buried in Taal Lake in Batangas.
The CHR-Calabarzon special investigators have already proceeded to the reported site to carry out monitoring activities and participate in joint quick response operations.
“The Commission stands resolute in seeking justice for the missing sabungeros. With renewed momentum and sustained collective action, the Commission is hopeful that the path to justice for the missing sabungeros and their families is finally within reach,” the CHR statement read.