Sole witness in alleged abduction of 6 sabungeros no longer interested

The sole witness in the alleged abduction of six sabungeros who took part in a derby at the Manila Arena has expressed disinterest in pursuing the case, according to a "24 Oras" report by Emil Sumangil, citing a source.

Witness “Arvie” reached the decision after the families of some victims withdrew their own cases, the report added.

Arvie is the solitary witness in the custody of the Special Investigation Task Group, which is looking into the disappearance of the six men last January 2022.

Last year, he narrated he saw the six sabungeros being led by guards inside vans during a derby in the Manila Arena.

The families of the other victims who remain firm in pursuing the case have expressed their disappointment in the development.

“Parang nawawala  na rin kami ng pag-asa. Hindi na namin alam sino na yung totoo naming kakampi at makakatulong, pero kami, ito pa rin po patuloy kaming lalaban hanggat may nakikita kami na kahit katiting na pag asa,” said Lanie Bautista, a relative of a sabungero.

“Hindi po kami aatras. Tuloy pa rin po ang laban naming. Hindi po namin kailangan ng pera nila, alam namin na mayaman sila, kaya nilang tapalan lahat ng pera,” said Marilyn Germar, relative of another victim.

The families are seeking a dialogue on the latest development with Senator Bato dela Rosa, who led the Senate probe into the matter.—Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News