Families of Missing Sabungeros Stand Firm Against Allegations
On a poignant Friday, families of missing sabungeros gathered their strength and took a bold step, filing counter-affidavits with the Department of Justice (DOJ). This was not just a formality; it was a powerful declaration against accusations from other families claiming they were bribed to stay away from crucial trial hearings.
Eloisa Bohol, the mother of Kiel Bohol, spoke passionately in an impromptu interview, her voice filled with conviction. “Totoo naman ‘yun. Hindi kami nagpabayad,” she stated firmly. *“That’s true. We were not paid off.”*
Her words held the weight of a mother’s pain and determination.
In the midst of legal turmoil, she emphasized: “Hindi po kami umaatras sa kaso. Wala pa pong nangyayaring hearing kasi ‘yung kaso namin, ‘yung Sta. Cruz, nilipat pa po sa Quezon City. Tuloy pa rin ‘yung laban ng kaso namin.” She expressed hope, affirming that they remain steadfast in their quest for justice. *“We are not backing away from the case. There has not yet been any hearing because our Sta. Cruz case has been transferred to Quezon City. We are continuing to pursue the case.”*
Their fight is not just about legal proceedings; it’s about love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of truth.
The complexity of this story deepens as Diane Loyola, the wife of one of the missing sabungeros, revealed troubling claims. She accused parties of offering cash to families—suggesting a betrayal at the heart of their community. Allegations surfaced that some families were promised monthly payouts of up to P40,000.
Ryan Bautista, brother of Michael Bautista, was quick to counter these insinuations. “PI lang po para patunayan namin na wala pong areglo. At the same time, sila lang po ang may gusto ng malaking pera,” he asserted. *“We attended the preliminary investigation to prove that there was no settlement. At the same time, they are the ones who want a large amount of money.”*
Their voices ring out, filled with a mix of frustration and heartache, as they seek validation for their suffering.
In the backdrop of this unfolding drama, the situation remains dire. Arrest warrants have been issued for businessman Atong Ang and others, related to multiple counts of kidnapping with homicide, and kidnapping and serious illegal detention connected to the missing sabungeros case. Ang has denied all allegations against him, yet the shadows of doubt linger heavily.
In April, an Interpol red notice was issued against Ang, highlighting the gravity of these accusations. The government has even put forth a remarkable P20 million reward for any information that leads to his arrest.
As the families fight for the truth, their collective pain becomes a powerful testament to resilience and unwavering love. They stand united, determined not to let go of hope for their missing loved ones—because every day of silence is a day they refuse to shy away from fighting for justice.
