The Department of Justice (DOJ) clarified Wednesday that a conviction remains possible in the case of the 34 missing sabungeros, even without the recovery of their bodies.
DOJ spokesperson Atty. Mico Clavano emphasized that the absence of physical remains does not preclude a guilty verdict.
“Conviction is still possible without producing the body as long as you prove the fact of death in court,” Clavano told reporters.
He added that while the discovery of remains would strengthen the case, other forms of evidence—such as photos or videos—can also establish the fact of death.
Clavano cited the legal principle of corpus delicti, which refers to the essential elements of a crime. In murder cases, this means proving that a person died and that the death resulted from a criminal act, regardless of whether a suspect has been arrested.
The statement comes as authorities prepare to search Taal Lake, where whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as “Totoy,” claimed the victims were buried.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that the search will begin this week, focusing on a fishpond lease linked to one of the suspects, which he described as the operation’s “ground zero.”
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) assured the public that security measures remain in place in areas where the missing sabungeros may have been taken. (ZIA LUNA)
