
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla (Photo from DOJ FACEBOOK page)
MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday said the Supreme Court (SC) is already investigating the alleged involvement of a former judge in the missing “sabungeros” (cockfighting enthusiasts) case.
Remulla made the statement following Julie “Dondon” Patidongan’s (alias “Totoy”) revelation that a former judge has been facilitating cases for businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, whom he also accused of being one of the individuals involved in the disappearance of the “sabungeros”.
READ: Remulla: Atong Ang, Gretchen Barreto to be named suspects in missing sabungeros’ case
According to Remulla, he met with Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo on Monday morning and discussed the alleged involvement of the former judge.
“Actually, they are already being investigated by the Supreme Court. The SC has already launched an investigation,” said Remulla in Filipino in a chance interview.
“It’s the certain behaviors we observed that seem inappropriate or harmful to the justice system,” he added.
Asked how many judges were being investigated, Remulla replied: “Iba-iba.”
Remulla then stated that the SC is “very sensitive” on what needs to be done to improve the country’s justice system, tagging the SC as the “best ally” for the investigation.
“That’s why we’re always aligned when it comes to improving the justice system. And the Supreme Court is the best ally that we have for this.”
Inquirer has already sought the SC’s confirmation regarding the investigation, but has yet to receive a response as of posting time.
All this developed after Patidongan, one of the six security guards accused of abducting the cockfighting enthusiasts, made a bombshell revelation that the missing sabungeros were already dead and their remains dumped into the Taal Lake in Batangas.
He claimed that Ang, actress Gretchen Barretto, an former judge, a former local government official and several police officers were also involved in the case. /gsg