CIDG URGED TO RELEASE AFFIDAVITS OF WITNESSES IN MISSING ‘SABUNGEROS’ CASE

A LAWYER representing a police officer implicated in the missing “sabungeros” case has asked Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III to order the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to release the affidavits of the 12 witnesses against whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan.

According to attorney Bernard Vitriolo, the affidavits should be included to complete and clarify the Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into the missing cockfight enthusiasts.

Vitriolo is the legal counsel of Police Master Sgt. Joey Encarnacion, who is said to be the owner of the fishing ground where the remains of the “sabungeros” were allegedly dumped.

In a press conference in Quezon City, Vitriolo said it is difficult if the court only knows half and only one side of the story in the case because he said the families of the missing “sabungeros” will not be able to achieve true justice.

Vitriolo explained that the CIDG also conducted an investigation into the lost “sabungeros” but not everything that came out of the probe was included in the case folder submitted to the DOJ.

The lawyer expressed belief that the entire investigation will help his client be acquitted.

He also said that there is a high possibility that the other accused will also be acquitted because it can be seen from the entire affidavit that only the Patidongan brothers are acting as if they were a syndicate.