Five families of the missing sabungeros have gone to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to formally file an obstruction of justice complaint against Atty. Caroline Cruz, the lawyer of businessman Atong Ang, over alleged bribery involving other affected families.
The complaint stems from allegations that around 20 families of the missing sabungeros have been receiving ₱20,000 every payday, or about ₱40,000 per month, allegedly from the camp of Atong Ang in exchange for their cooperation or settlement in the ongoing case.
According to Olyn Lasco, the sister of one of the missing sabungeros, the payments were reportedly given in cash to families who allegedly agreed to settle, with claims that this may weaken the pursuit of justice for the victims.
Lasco also said the families involved were allegedly promised larger financial assistance in the future if the businessman is cleared of the case. She added that there is no formal agreement or clear duration for the alleged payments.
She expressed disappointment over other families who allegedly accepted the money, stressing that they continue to fight for justice for their missing loved ones.
“Yung ginagawa nila sa kamag-anak nila, multuhin sana sila. Kasi kami hindi namin maaatim na tumanggap ng pera galing sa kalaban,” Lasco said, adding that those who accepted the alleged settlement may face their own conscience for abandoning the search for justice.
The DOJ is expected to evaluate the complaint as part of its ongoing proceedings on the high-profile case involving the missing sabungeros.
