Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has submitted additional files and documents to the Department of Justice (DOJ) as part of the continuing investigation into the missing sabungeros (cockfight aficionados) case, PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the submission of these files is part of the PNP’s effort to build a strong and credible case. The documents contain further evidence gathered through investigation and are now with the DOJ for evaluation. While details remain undisclosed due to the case’s sensitivity, it is believed these files will help establish accountability and aid in identifying those responsible.

Nartatez stated that this action aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and under the guidance of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to conduct a thorough, impartial, and evidence-based investigation into the missing sabungeros. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group submitted five flash drives and new witness affidavits to DOJ prosecutors handling the preliminary investigation. The investigation involves murder and kidnapping with serious illegal detention complaints filed by the PNP and victims’ families against Charlie ‘Atong’ Ang, Gretchen Barretto, and others.

Nartatez assured the families of the missing sabungeros that the PNP remains committed to pursuing this case until justice is achieved. The PNP recognizes the families’ long wait for answers and continues to exert efforts to bring closure. This includes exhausting all leads, providing evidence to the DOJ, and ensuring no angle is left unchecked.

While timelines in complex cases depend on judicial proceedings, Nartatez assured that the PNP is pressing forward without letup in close coordination with the DOJ. He emphasized that the PNP operates on the principle that no one is above the law, and their mandate is to enforce the law impartially, without allowing power or connections to interfere with the investigation or the pursuit of justice.

Last month, the DOJ filed a complaint for multiple murder and serious illegal detention against Ang in connection with the sabungeros’ disappearance. Whistleblower Julie Patidongan, also known as Dondon or Totoy, pointed to Ang as the mastermind behind the reported kidnapping-killings, though Ang denied the allegations.