MANILA — Families of missing cockfight enthusiasts or “sabungeros” have filed an obstruction of justice complaint before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against the lawyer of businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, alleging that cash was offered to relatives in exchange for skipping court hearings.

In a report, it said that Charlene Lasco, sister of missing sabungero Ricardo Lasco, said the complaint was filed Friday against lawyer Caroline Cruz and three other individuals.

“As you all know, napansin niyo naman na kami noong araw ay marami. Ngayon minimal na lang po kami. So ‘yung mga kasamahan namin ay nandoon na sa kabilang panig at tumatanggap ng pera para lamang hindi um-attend sa aming kaso,” Lasco said.

She alleged that some individuals were receiving between P20,000 and P40,000 monthly.

Diane Loyola, wife of another missing sabungero, said the reduced attendance of families has affected their pursuit of the case.

“Katulad po nu’ng nakaraang hearing namin, imbes na uupo po ‘yung mga families, papatunayan na may mga nawawala, tatatlo na lang po kaming um-attend sa Sta. Cruz instead of 19,” she said.

Three former police officers are already facing charges of kidnapping, serious illegal detention, and robbery with violence in connection with the alleged disappearance of e-sabong agent Ricardo Lasco.

Olyn Lasco, another sister of the missing sabungero, expressed frustration over relatives who allegedly accepted settlements.

“Nakakasama ng loob, sobra. Tapos nasaan na ‘yung mga pinaglalaban nila? Hustisya, hustisya para sa mga kaanak nila. Hustisya, mabigyan lang kayo ng kaonting pera, pinagpalit niyo na kamaganak niyo?” she said.

“Ako masasabi ko sa kanila, multuhin sana sila ng mga kamaganak nila na ipinagpalit nila sa pera,” she added.

Arrest warrants have been issued against Ang and others in connection with multiple counts of kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping and serious illegal detention linked to the missing sabungeros case.

Ang has denied the allegations. An Interpol red notice was issued against him in April, while the government has offered a P20-million reward for information leading to his arrest.