MANILA — Concerns have been raised following reports that some complainants in the missing sabungeros case have been receiving financial assistance allegedly tied to their non-attendance in court hearings.
According to the National Police Commission (Napolcom), some families involved in the case said several complainants were receiving monthly payments of about ₱40,000, which they claimed coincided with absences during scheduled hearings.
Businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang has been named in media reports in connection with the allegations, including claims that certain families were offered financial support or settlement-related assistance. From an initial group of 34 affected families, only a few are reportedly still actively pursuing the case.
In a report published by The Manila Times, complainant Diane Loyola said several families failed to attend hearings in Sta. Cruz, Laguna after allegedly receiving financial assistance through individuals linked to the defense camp.
She also claimed she was offered cash described as part of a foundation-related assistance effort. Other complainants allegedly showed similar cash envelopes, which they said were given as compensation for the inconvenience of the proceedings.
ia/xf
