MANILA, Philippines – July 2025
The ICC case against Duterte could be further strengthened by the new developments surrounding the missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts).
According to Kristina Conti, a lawyer for the victims of the drug war, the alleged connection between drug war killings and the e-sabong killings may serve as significant evidence in the ongoing crimes against humanity case against former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The Link Between Drug War Killings and Missing Sabungeros
Kristina Conti, an ICC-accredited assistant to counsel, explained that the death squads involved in the drug war could also be responsible for the killings of the missing sabungeros.
Conti pointed out that the same individuals involved in targeted killings related to the drug war might also be behind the disappearances of the cockfighting enthusiasts, reinforcing the notion of police involvement in a broader criminal network.
Duterte’s Drug War and Its Connection to the ICC Case
Duterte faces crimes against humanity charges for his brutal drug war, which has been widely criticized for resulting in thousands of deaths.
The new evidence involving the missing sabungeros could bolster the claims of systematic killings carried out by state agents under Duterte’s leadership, further strengthening the case against him at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Justice Secretary Remulla’s Comments on the Link
In response to these developments, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla acknowledged the possibility of connections between drug war perpetrators and e-sabong killings. Remulla noted that some of the same individuals involved in drug-related violence might also be implicated in the deaths of cockfighting enthusiasts, adding more weight to the ongoing investigation.
Taal Lake: A Known Graveyard for the Missing
The missing sabungeros case has taken a dramatic turn with the discovery of human remains in Taal Lake, a location allegedly used to dispose of the victims’ bodies. Remulla believes this discovery could be crucial in solving the case and establishing connections between the drug war and the killings of e-sabong participants.
Whistleblower Testimonies and Forensic Investigations
Julie Patidongan, a whistleblower known as “Totoy,” has alleged that missing sabungeros were executed and dumped in Taal Lake.
Forensic pathologist Raquel Fortun has been brought in to investigate the remains and assist in identifying the victims. Her involvement is expected to provide vital information that could link the e-sabong killings to the broader context of drug war violence.
Conclusion
The ICC case against Duterte continues to gather evidence that ties his drug war to widespread human rights abuses.
As investigations into the missing sabungeros case progress, the potential for this evidence to strengthen the crimes against humanity case against Duterte becomes more apparent. Authorities are committed to uncovering the truth and bringing justice to the victims.
References:
- ‘Missing sabungeros’ case may boost ICC case vs Duterte: drug war victims’ lawyer
- Whistleblower claims cops in ‘sabungeros’ case tied to Duterte drug war
Related Articles:
- Taal Lake Dive: Search for Missing Sabungeros May Begin This Week
- PNP-CIDG Forensic Examination Underway After Discovery of Human Remains Near Taal Lake
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