Families of the missing sabungeros renewed their call for justice on Monday after formally asking the Department of Justice (DOJ) to reconsider its decision to dismiss the complaint against actress Gretchen Barretto, former National Capital Region Police chief Jonnel Estomo, and several other individuals.
In a partial motion for reconsideration, the families requested that the DOJ indict Barretto, Estomo, and the children and relatives of businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang for kidnapping with homicide, as well as kidnapping and serious illegal detention.
Jaja Pilarta, partner of missing sabungero John Claude Inonog, stressed that the crime was not the act of a single person but the result of coordinated efforts.
“Naniniwala po kami na conspiracy ito, eh. Magkakasabwat sila dito, so kailangan lahat managot,” she said.
She further explained that accountability should extend beyond the alleged mastermind and police officers.
“Hindi lang isang tao. Hindi lang ‘yung mga pulis, hindi lang ‘yung mastermind. Dapat ‘yung lahat ng mga taong involved dito mapanagot po namin,” Pilarta added.
Last December, the DOJ panel of prosecutors found sufficient evidence to charge Ang and 21 others. However, the panel ruled that the evidence against the so-called Pitmaster Alpha Group, which allegedly included Barretto, was “speculative and uncorroborated,” while allegations against Ang’s relatives were deemed too general. Statements against Estomo were also considered based on personal assumptions or second-hand information.
Despite this, Pilarta insisted that those excluded knew about the disappearances.
“So alam nila ‘yung nangyayari sa bawat nawawala… Alam nila siguro din kung saan dinala ‘yung mga kaanak po namin,” she said.
Other relatives expressed deep frustration over the absence of arrest warrants. Carmen Malaca recalled being promised action before Christmas.
“Naiinip na nga ako… Dumating ‘yung Pasko, wala rin. Tapos na ang Bagong Taon, wala pa rin,” she said.
Families also questioned why some personalities were removed from the charge list.
“Hindi lang naman si Atong Ang ang may gawa… Lahat po dapat ng may gawa,” said Ryan Bautista, while Charlene Lasco added, “Alam natin na conspiracy ito eh. Bakit hindi napasama yung iba?”
Together with whistleblower Dondon Patidongan and their lawyers, the families signed an appeal urging prosecutors to include those they believe were involved.
“Kaya kami magfa-file ng MR kasi mayroon kaming testigo na magpapatunay na kasama po sila,” Bautista said.
They also revealed receiving monetary offers to withdraw the case but firmly rejected them.
“Ang gusto namin justice po,” Lasco declared.
The DOJ has filed charges against Ang in multiple courts, while his camp has sought reconsideration of the earlier resolution. The families, however, remain resolute in their pursuit of full accountability.