MANILA, Philippines – August 3, 2025 — Former Commission on Elections Commissioner Atty. Rowena Guanzon has expressed serious concern over how the Department of Justice (DOJ), under the leadership of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, is handling the ongoing investigation into the controversial case of the “missing sabungeros.”
Guanzon criticized Secretary Remulla’s recent remarks tagging the group of prominent businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang as a “criminal syndicate” even before the DOJ has formally initiated the preliminary investigation into the case.
She emphasized that as Secretary of Justice, Remulla should be above politics, fair, and committed to upholding due process—especially as he will ultimately sign off on the resolution issued by the prosecutors handling the case.
“It is neither just nor fair to brand someone or a group as criminals before a proper hearing has even begun,” Guanzon said, pointing out the importance of following legal procedures to protect the integrity of the justice system.
Her statements come amid growing concerns over the recent filing of murder charges against Ang and several others, including actress Gretchen Barretto, in connection with the disappearance of the sabungeros. Guanzon said such developments are troubling, particularly when judgments appear to be made without any formal proceedings.
“It’s alarming that even before the investigation starts, some of the respondents are already being treated as if they were guilty,” she added.
Guanzon reiterated that the DOJ must carefully study the complexities of the case and ensure that the investigation follows proper legal steps before making conclusions or issuing public statements that could influence the outcome.
She urged the DOJ to uphold fairness and allow the legal process to take its full course, cautioning against premature judgments that could compromise the credibility of the justice system.
