Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said two people have been arrested for alleged bribery in exchange for the withdrawal of an affidavit against suspects in the missing sabungeros (cockfight aficionados) case.
According to Philippines News Agency, at a press conference at Camp Crame, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II stated that the two individuals, a man and a woman, were nabbed in an entrapment operation in Barangay Dolores, Taytay, Rizal at about 11 a.m. on September 15.
“We confirm that there is someone who wants to intervene in the said missing sabungeros case by bribing one of the complainants to recant her earlier case filed at the National Prosecution Service,” Morico informed reporters.
The operation was initiated following a request for assistance by a relative of one of the missing sabungeros, who is currently serving as a complainant in the case. The PNP has not identified which relative was approached.
“PHP1.5 million is a big money. But for the identity of the one who asked, we cannot divulge any information yet as the investigation is still ongoing,” Morico explained.
“Apparently the suspects [have a] relation with the complainant by consanguinity,” he added. A relation by consanguinity means that a person is related “by blood” to another individual, in this case the complainant and the suspects.
The complainant revealed that the two suspects offered a substantial amount of money to file an affidavit of recantation and desistance against key personalities and other respondents in the sabungeros case.
PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., in a statement, announced that an investigation into the incident had already been ordered, condemning the suspects’ “brazen attempt to obstruct justice.”
‘Naniniwala ako na may nag-utos sa dalawang naarestong ito at ito ang aalamin natin (I believe someone ordered these two arrested individuals and we will get to the bottom of this). We will unmask all those behind this attempt to bastardize our justice system, and we assure the public that we will immediately file cases against them,’ he asserted.
The two suspects are currently in the custody of the CIDG and are facing charges for violation of Article 286 (Grave Coercion) of the Revised Penal Code and Presidential Decree 1829 (Obstruction of Justice).
Last month, the Department of Justice filed a complaint for multiple murder and serious illegal detention against gaming tycoon Atong Ang regarding the disappearance of the sabungeros.
It was whistleblower Julie Patidongan (also known as Dondon or Totoy) who implicated Ang as the mastermind behind the reported kidnapping-killings. Ang has denied the allegations.
