MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) affirmed on Wednesday that state prosecutors will move forward with criminal cases against individuals tied to the disappearance of several sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts), even as most of the victims’ families have stopped cooperating.
Justice Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon clarified that the prosecution of these cases will continue regardless of whether the families choose to participate.
“This is not dependent on the absence or presence of the families of the victims. Napansin namin unti-unti nawawala na ‘yung mga complainants at totally hindi na nakikipag-usap at nakikipag-ugnayan sa amin,” Fadullon said.
Authorities have already filed 26 formal charge sheets against various suspects, comprising 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide and 16 counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention.
Fadullon noted that while the families’ testimony is relevant to establishing civil liabilities and damages, their absence will not derail the criminal proceedings.
“It will not have any impact in the criminal aspect because ang ebidensya natin dito sa criminal ay iba doon sa ebidensya na kakailanganin as far sa pagpapatunay sa danyos na makukuha nila kung meron man,” he explained.
“For me, there is no price for the life of any individual. No amount can pay for that,” he added.