MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) said that the criminal complaint filed against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and several others in connection with the disappearance of cockfight enthusiasts, or sabungeros, has been submitted for resolution.

DOJ spokesperson Raphael Martinez said the panel of prosecutors will now determine whether there is “a prima facie case” to be filed before the courts.

Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Charlie Guhit said more than four dozen respondents had filed their counter-affidavits before the panel.

“The panel of prosecutors declared that the preliminary investigation is already submitted for resolution, that is, after the complainants manifested that they are not filing a reply to the counter-affidavits of the respondents,” Guhit said.

“As per our records, it appears that there were 56 respondents who filed counter-affidavits. The good thing about it is that a lot of the respondents filed. The panel will try to resolve the case as soon as possible. Right now, there is no specific date when we will issue the resolution,” he added.

Guhit explained that the panel may either dismiss the complaint or file it before the court. If dismissed, the complainants may re-file the case with additional supporting documents.

Ang’s camp earlier asked the panel to remand the case to the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) for further case build-up.

“We will address that in the resolution,” Guhit said, noting that the panel can only dismiss or file the case in court.

Meanwhile, whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan said he remains hopeful that justice will be served to the victims’ families.

“Mag-aantay na lang tayo ng desisyon. Siguro makakamit na ang hustisya ng mga biktima. Alam naman ng lahat kung sino ang mastermind dito,” he said.

Patidongan’s lawyer, Manuel Ventura, expressed confidence in the DOJ panel, saying they believe in its “integrity, probity, and uprightness,” and trust that it will uphold the rule of law. (PNA)