Court to conclude bail petition proceedings in ‘missing sabungeros’ case

MANILA — The Department of Justice will file a formal offer of evidence on the bail petition of accused policemen in the kidnapping case involving missing sabungeros before the San Pablo City Regional Trial Court Branch 29.

While one of the complainants was able to testify during the bail hearings, the DOJ however lamented that all complainants have already backed out of the case.

Charged with kidnapping and serious illegal detention and robbery with intimidation were Laguna cops PSSG Daryl Paghangaan, Pat. Roy Navarete and Pat. Rigel Brosas.

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“Well, I have to admit the fact that walang mas magandang testigo kung hindi yung mga nandodoon, mga nakasaksi mismo, yung mga naging biktima, they are the best witnesses in these cases,” Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon said.

Aside from the testimony of a former complainant, a police officer who handled the investigation of the missing sabungeros was also able to testify.

“Pero itong kaalaman nila, tinatawag namin after the fact lang no, we need the testimonies of witnesses who actually witnessed and saw what happened at the time that the crime was actually committed, so without them, the prosecutors are compelled to just resorting to presenting whoever the available witnesses there are, the ones who conducted the investigation, even if it is after the fact,” Fadullon said.

Fadullon admitted that the limited testimonies of the prosecution may have an impact on the bail petition.

“Hopeful as we were at the start, dahil nandiyan yung mga biktima, ngayon, medyo may agam-agam dahil sa mga naiwan nga sa amin, yung mga testigo na lamang na kumbaga, gumawa ng imbestigasyon, matapos na ikwento o isumbong ng mga taong nakikita,” Fadullon said.

Fadullon said that after the filing of formal offer of evidence by government prosecutors, the court is expected to hand down its decision on the bail petition.