MANILA — The families of missing sabungeros have asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct a preliminary investigation into their obstruction of justice complaint against Atty. Caroline Cruz, the lawyer of businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, who has been tagged in allegations surrounding the disappearances.

In a report, it said that the families said their complaint, which was filed last week before the National Prosecution Service, has already been docketed.

They alleged that Cruz provided financial assistance to some families in exchange for their absence during hearings on kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping with serious illegal detention cases filed against Ang.

The families aligned with Ang’s camp admitted receiving money but denied that it constituted bribery.

“Sa ngayon po iyon nga po, sana mapatunayan namin na kami po talaga nagsasabi ng totoo na talagang ginagapang po kaming isa-isa para hindi na kami umattend sa hearing kapalit nung perang ibinibigay nila,” said Diane Loyola, partner of missing sabungero Ferdinand Dizon.

The remaining complainants also presented cash they said they received, which they claimed they had kept as evidence.

They further alleged that financial assistance was given to families at one point in a resort reportedly owned by Ang.

“Sa mga nag-swimming, baka hindi na kayo makabalik sa susunod, hindi natin alam, dinala nga kayo sa ano, niloko nga kayo eh, nasinungaling nga sila sa inyo na doon pala ang punta ninyo sa isang farm ni Atong Ang,” Loyola said.