The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) had a very important meeting. They talked about helping a man named Totoy, who is part of a big and scary case about missing sabungeros (people who join cockfights). Totoy is one of the people accused in the case—but now, he says he wants to tell the truth and help solve the mystery.
Totoy told the DOJ and police that he is ready to testify in court, which means he wants to stand in front of a judge and say what really happened. But he also said something scary: he and his family are receiving threats. That means someone might hurt them if Totoy talks.
Because of this, the DOJ and PNP are thinking about putting Totoy in the Witness Protection Program. That program helps keep people like Totoy safe if they are brave enough to speak out in dangerous cases.
DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said they are still checking all the information Totoy gave them. But he already made some plans with PNP Chief General Nicolas Torre III to protect Totoy.
Secretary Remulla also said the DOJ has other evidence that matches what Totoy is saying. That’s a big deal because it means Totoy might be telling the truth. He also said Totoy named 10 other suspects, and those people are now being investigated too.
But here’s the thing: Totoy has not yet written his full statement on paper, which is called an affidavit. That’s something he still needs to do.
Some of the families of the missing sabungeros are feeling very sad. They think the government has forgotten about them. But Secretary Remulla said that is not true at all.
“We’re not giving up,” he said. “We know the process can be slow because we need to collect good evidence. But we’re doing everything we can.”
Remulla added that he already spoke with Totoy even before the last election, and they started looking at the information right away.
So, the case isn’t over yet—but things might be changing soon, especially if Totoy decides to tell everything he knows.
