Manila: The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday stated that the recovery of the victims' remains is not necessary for prosecutors to proceed with murder charges against those responsible for the disappearance of the missing 'sabungeros' (cockfight aficionados).

According to Philippines News Agency, DOJ spokesperson Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano communicated to reporters that "it is not absolutely necessary to find the body of the victim to prove the crime of murder." He emphasized that the legal principle aligns with the doctrine of corpus delicti, which focuses on the fact that a crime has been committed rather than the physical body of the deceased.

The DOJ official elaborated that a conviction can still be achieved without the victim's body as long as the fact of death is demonstrated in court. Clavano noted, "Obviously, presenting the body or remains will be damning evidence of this. Yet, even without presenting the same, there are many other ways to prove the fact of death. Photos or videos of the killing may establish the fact of death, for instance."

In addition, Clavano mentioned that they have formally requested the Japanese government for equipment to aid in the planned recovery of the remains of the sabungeros, which are reportedly disposed of in Taal Lake in Batangas. "We are awaiting their response," he stated.

The DOJ had previously announced that the search for the bodies would involve an inter-agency operation, including law enforcement agencies and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau.