By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Several respondents, including the legal counsel for fugitive businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, have submitted their counter-affidavits to the Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with the obstruction-of-justice complaint filed by the families of the missing sabungeros.
During Thursday’s preliminary investigation, complainant Diane Loyola confirmed that lawyer Caroline Cruz, Joshua Villanueva, Jocelyn Dela Cruz, Cristy Ladao, and Reynaldo Panebe Jr. formally filed their sworn responses before DOJ prosecutors.
The complaint stems from allegations that members of Ang’s camp attempted to obstruct the investigation by allegedly offering money to some relatives of the missing sabungeros in exchange for their silence or cooperation.
Loyola urged the respondents to tell the truth, insisting that the complainants had no reason to accuse individuals they once considered allies falsely.
She said the families remain hopeful that the DOJ will find probable cause and proceed with the filing of charges before the courts.
According to Loyola, the complainants have pursued the case for years in search of justice for their missing loved ones and believe the evidence they have presented will support their allegations.
The DOJ has set another preliminary investigation on Friday, during which respondents Eloisa Bohol and Nadame Malang are expected to submit their respective counter-affidavits.
The obstruction of justice complaint is one of several legal cases arising from the unresolved disappearance of dozens of sabungeros, a case that continues to draw national attention as authorities pursue Charlie “Atong” Ang, who remains at large.
ia/xf
