The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) calls for urgent and coordinated action in light of new testimony that has surfaced in the long-standing case of the missing sabungeros from 2021. According to one of the suspects, who is seeking to become a state witness, no fewer than 34 sabungeros were allegedly killed and buried in Taal Lake in Batangas, marking a potential breakthrough in the case that has remained unresolved for over four years.

On 21 June 2025, CHR Region IV-A and Investigation Office conducted coordination visits with the Batangas Police, CIDG Provincial Office, and the Coast Guard in Talisay. CIDG indicated that the cases they have handled so far involve individuals from Lipa. At the Coast Guard sub-station within the vicinity of the Taal Lake, their personnel shared that there has been no retrieval operation conducted, as there remains no confirmed information on the specific location in Taal Lake where the missing sabungeros were allegedly dumped.

To recall, CHR Region IV-A conducted a motu proprio investigation back in 2022. During this process, the Commission gathered testimonies and other pertinent evidence from the families of the missing sabungeros in an effort to shed light on the reported disappearances. At that time, however, no information had surfaced that could directly point to the victims’ whereabouts or identify the perpetrators. The only available pieces of evidence were the statements from relatives of the victims, and no witnesses had come forward who could testify to the events that transpired on the dates the victims were last seen or taken.

Given the recent developments, particularly regarding the alleged fate and possible location of the missing sabungeros, the Commission remains hopeful that this could mark the beginning of a more thorough and coordinated investigation—one that may finally uncover the truth and bring justice to the victims and their families.

CHR holds dialogue with the victims’ families

On 24 June 2025, families of the missing sabungeros gathered at the CHR Central Office and held a peaceful rally at Liwasang Diokno. Their collective call for justice resounded strongly, as they continue to hope for the return—or at the very least, the discovery—of their missing loved ones after more than four years of anguish and unanswered questions.

On the same day, the families also had a consultation-dialogue with CHR Commissioner and Spokesperson Beda A. Epres, together with other officials and personnel of the CHR, to learn about the appropriate steps forward and to discuss how the Commission can continue supporting their search for truth and justice.

“Narito po ang CHR para ipagpatuloy ang aming imbestigasyon. ‘Yun pong paglutang ng isang suspect dito sa krimen, at in-express niya ang kaniyang willingness na isiwalat ang kaniyang mga nalalaman, is a welcome development,” Commissioner Beda stated.

Commissioner Epres likewise called on all relevant government agencies to take collective action and address the case with urgency.

“Isang panawagan na rin po ito sa lahat ng government agencies na kung maaari, magtulungan tayo—CHR, DOJ, Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard—para once and for all, mabigyan na po ng tuldok itong kasong ito at makamit na natin yung matagal na nating inaasam na hustisya,” he added.

The Commission urges that protection be extended to the witness to ensure their safety and enable them to share information freely and truthfully. CHR also hopes that more individuals with relevant knowledge will come forward.

The Commission stands resolute in seeking justice for the missing sabungeros. With renewed momentum and sustained collective action, the Commission is hopeful that the path to justice for the missing sabungeros and their families is finally within reach. ###

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ERRATUM

In the CHR’s earlier statement regarding the ongoing investigation into the missing sabungeros, the phrase “participate in joint quick response operations alongside relevant authorities” may have led to the impression that CHR was directly involved in operational retrieval or field response activities.

To clarify, the CHR’s role in this matter is focused on human rights investigation and monitoring in coordination with relevant law enforcement and investigative agencies. The Commission does not conduct or take part in tactical or retrieval operations, but continues to observe developments, provide recommendations, and uphold the rights of all parties involved.

We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.