Missing sabungeros’ kin lament lack of case updates

The families of the missing sabungeros on Thursday lamented the lack of updates regarding the fate of their loved ones, saying they are still awaiting the next case conference with the Department of Justice (DOJ).

“Noong nakaraang January, hindi natuloy. Ngayong February, nangako ulit sila na ime-meet nila yung mga kamag-anak ng mga nawawala. Eh matatapos na ang February, wala na naman pong update sa amin kung kailan kami pupunta ng DOJ,” said Eloisa Bohol, mother of victim Kiel Bohol, in Emil Sumangil’s report on “24 Oras.” 

(We were supposed to meet in January but it was cancelled. They promised to meet us in February but the month is about to end and we never received updates on the date for the case conference.)

Kiel is one of the six sabungeros who disappeared in a cockfighting arena in Bulacan in 2021, along with Mark Joseph Ignacio, Romualdo Diano, Eric Legaspi, and Nerio Antecristo. 

DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla last month said he plans to meet with the families to assure them that all efforts are being exerted to find the missing.

“Ano na ang plano nila para sa amin. Hindi naman kami bibitiw kahit abutin ng ilang taon,” Bohol said. 

(What are their plans for us? We will continue to hold on even if it take years.)

Christina Ignacio, mother of victim Mark Joseph, expressed a similar sentiment. "Meron pa ba kaming hinihintay na hustisya? Malaking katanungan yun sa amin eh, hindi hanggang ngayon hindi kami sumusuko. Hustisya para sa kanilang pagkawala”.

(Is there still justice for us? That’s our question. We are still holding on and we want justice for their disappearance.)

GMA Integrated News has reached out to the DOJ for comment. — Sundy Locus/BM, GMA Integrated News