DOJ holds case conference for missing sabungeros as kin lament lack of progress

Compared to previous meetings, fewer families of the missing sabungeros attended a case conference of their kin at the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla did not attend the meeting but Assistant Secretary Eliseo Cruz, a former police official, faced the families, according to Saleema Refran’s 24 Oras report Tuesday.

Family members have lamented the lack of monthly conferences.

“‘Yung mga may hawak sa kaso namin… medyo may kapabayaan. ‘Yung mga dapat na nakuha nila sa pag-iimbestiga, pinatulog nila. Hindi nila inasikaso,” said Carmen Malaca, a relative of one of the missing sabungeros.

(Those handling our cases were somewhat negligent. They neglected things that should have been uncovered during the investigation. They didn’t attend to them.)

The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, National Bureau of Investigation, National Prosecution Service, and the DOJ said the investigation of the case is ongoing.

In its update, the Justice Department said a Manila court rejected the withdrawal of the case by relatives of the six sabungeros who disappeared at the Manila Arena.

“Umaasa pa rin kami na talagang mareresolba yung kaso. Pero po yung mga investigation na per cases namin, parang wala naman po silang update. Nakakahinayang pero hindi pa rin kami titigil para doon sa kaso,” said Ryan Bautista.

(We’re still hoping the case will truly be resolved. But in terms of the investigation for our  individual cases, it seems there are no updates. It’s disappointing, but we won’t stop pursuing the case.)

The DOJ also said they will pursue charges against the six accused in the case of missing sabungeros and will continue the investigation of other related cases.

“Sabi po ni Asec na ipu-push daw po nya itong kaso. Pupukpukin daw po nya yung mga kapulisan ng CIDG para sa ganoon may mangyari pong maganda,” said family member Diane Loyola.

(Asec. said that he will push through with this case. He will pressure the CIDG officers so that something positive will happen.)—Sundy Locus/RF, GMA Integrated News