THE Department of Justice (DoJ) on Thursday opened the first hearing of its preliminary investigation into the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts, a case that has drawn national attention and allegations against high-profile figures.
Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Charlie Guhit said the first day focused on the complainants subscribing to their affidavits. “The panel completed the subscription of the affidavits filed by the complainants,” he said.
Among the respondents, only a few appeared, including former National Capital Region Police Office Chief Gen. Jonnel Estomo and actress Gretchen C. Barretto.
Businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, through his lawyer Gabriel Villareal, said they could not yet file a counter-affidavit, noting that parts of the subpoena, including a USB drive, were “missing.”
Ms. Barretto was the only respondent to submit a counter-affidavit during the session. Other submissions were deferred pending additional documents from law enforcement.
Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, a suspect-turned-witness, earlier alleged that Mr. Ang and Mr. Barretto, as “alpha members” of the Pitmaster group, operators of online cockfighting games, were directly involved in the disappearances.
Ms. Barretto told reporters she “trusts the process” and denied the allegations, reiterating her earlier statements. She declined to further comment, allowing her lawyer to speak on her behalf.
“The reason we’re filing a counter-affidavit right now… based on what we have been saying from the very beginning that we feel that the accusations against her are unsubstantiated, incredible, and there’s every basis for the complaint to be dismissed,” said her counsel, Alma D. Fernandez-Mallonga.
Mr. Patidongan, through his lawyer, Manuel Ventura, replied that it is up to the DoJ to determine credibility and “not for the respondents to say that.”
Meanwhile, Jaja Pilarta, partner of one missing sabungero, rejected alleged offers to drop the case.
“No matter what they offer, no matter what they give us, we will not withdraw the case,” she said in Filipino.
The DoJ set the next hearings for Sept. 29 and Oct. 13, when it expects all remaining documents and counter-affidavits to be filed.
“The DoJ will evaluate whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to court after receiving all submissions. If evidence is found lacking, the case may be dismissed,” Mr. Guhit said. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking
