Manila:According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is determined to continue legal proceedings against individuals implicated in the disappearance of sabungeros, or cockfighting enthusiasts, even though most victims' families appear disinterested in pursuing the complaints.

Chief State Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon emphasized that the absence of the victims' families does not impact the prosecution of these cases. He noted a decline in communication from complainants, stating, "We notice that the complainants have started to stop communicating with the prosecutors."

The DOJ has filed a total of 26 charges against the accused, comprising 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide and 16 counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention. Fadullon mentioned that the participation of the victims' families is crucial for the civil aspect of the cases, though it does not affect the criminal proceedings. He explained that the evidence required for criminal prosecution differs from that needed to prove any potential damages.

Fadullon also remarked on the irreplaceable value of human life, asserting, "For me, there is no price for the life of any individual. No amount can pay for that."