Justice Secretary Reveals Income-Driven Corporate Killing Scheme
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla disclosed on Tuesday that the killings involving the missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) are linked to an income-driven “corporate killing” industry. This revelation sheds light on the sinister operations behind the disappearance of these individuals.
Remulla explained that several people have reached out to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to cooperate regarding the missing sabungeros case. These individuals aim to provide information about the so-called “Alpha Group,” a collection of about 20 top names believed to orchestrate the operations.
Multiple Groups Fueling the Corporate Killing Industry
Aside from the Alpha Group, Remulla identified other distinct groups involved, such as the Delta Group, Charlie Group, and Bravo Group. Each group participates in this “corporate killing” industry, categorized by the income they generate from the e-sabong (online cockfighting) sector.
“It’s just tiered according to the income stream that each of them receives from the e-sabong industry,” Remulla explained in Filipino during an interview. He added, “This is intense. It’s very corporate. Corporate-killing.”
Although he did not specify each group’s role, Remulla noted that these factions include businessmen and government officials. “There are businessmen, there are government functionaries—it’s a mix. What we know so far is that there was even a so-called Delta Group operating within a certain income bracket,” he said.
Financial Gains Mask the Grim Reality
Remulla emphasized how e-sabong attracted many due to its lucrative prospects. However, those involved failed to realize the true cost. “Maraming gustong pumasok dahil sa financial benefits. Hindi nila nakita na sa kapalit ng pera na kinikita nila, maraming pinapatay,” he said.
The DOJ is currently reviewing the charges to file against suspects, including kidnapping and violations of international humanitarian law. “These are probable cases that we will be filing together with murder and other charges against the perpetrators,” Remulla stated.
Structured Killings Executed by Contractors
According to Remulla, the killings were methodically carried out through a system involving contractors who were subcontracted to execute victims. The victims were reportedly transported alive to specific locations before being killed.
“It’s a very ghastly scene. We can imagine people being targeted for execution, then handed over to individuals with their own contracts. It’s the contractors who did it,” Remulla shared in Filipino.
Call for Cooperation Amid Ongoing Investigations
The justice secretary urged anyone involved or with information to come forward and assist the DOJ. He warned that the case will eventually expose all those responsible. “This is a long, drawn-out case and the earlier they come in, the better,” he said. “Ang sinasabi namin, kung may alam kayo, sabihin na, baka kayo na ang susunod naming aaksyunan.”
This development follows a shocking confession from Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, one of six security guards accused of abducting the sabungeros. He revealed that the missing individuals were already dead and their bodies disposed of in Taal Lake, Batangas.
Patidongan also implicated businessman Atong Ang, actress Gretchen Barretto, a former judge, a former local official, and several police officers as being involved in the crime, sources said.
For more news and updates on killings involving missing sabungeros, visit Filipinokami.com.