The Department of Justice (DOJ) has made it clear that the criminal cases linked to the disappearance of dozens of cockfighting enthusiasts will move forward regardless of whether some complainants choose to withdraw from active participation.
Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon acknowledged that several relatives of the missing sabungeros and other complainants have stopped attending court proceedings, a development he described as disappointing given the government's continued efforts to seek accountability.
According to Fadullon, some of those who have become inactive were among the most outspoken individuals during the early stages of the investigation. However, he emphasized that their absence does not weaken the State's responsibility to prosecute the accused.
The DOJ maintains that while family members serve as complainants and witnesses, the principal injured party in criminal proceedings remains the government. As a result, prosecutors will continue pursuing all individuals implicated in the case, regardless of the complainants' apparent loss of interest.
The issue has gained renewed attention after relatives of at least five missing sabungeros filed an obstruction of justice complaint before the DOJ on Friday against lawyer Caroline Cruz and three others.
Charlene Lasco, whose brother Ricardo Lasco remains missing, alleged that 20 families were offered monthly financial assistance amounting to as much as P40,000 along with other benefits. She claimed the arrangement was intended to discourage their attendance at hearings being conducted in Batangas and Laguna.
Another complainant, Diane Loyola, whose husband vanished in February 2022, pointed to a recent hearing in Sta. Cruz, Laguna where only three of 19 affected families were present. The low turnout has intensified concerns that outside influences may be affecting participation in court proceedings.
Previous reports indicated that Cruz allegedly offered complainants P20,000 twice monthly as compensation for the inconvenience and difficulties they had experienced. Cruz has firmly rejected the accusation and insists she has done nothing wrong.
Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities continue efforts to locate gaming businessman Charlie Atong Ang. Courts in Laguna and Batangas have issued warrants for his arrest in connection with charges of kidnapping, serious illegal detention, and homicide arising from the disappearance and suspected killings of the missing sabungeros.
The DOJ's position signals that the case has evolved beyond the decisions of individual complainants. Prosecutors view the proceedings as a matter of public justice, where the State carries the obligation to pursue accountability even when key witnesses become reluctant or disengaged. Much like a criminal trial involving corruption or organized crime, the government's duty to enforce the law does not depend solely on the continued participation of private individuals.
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