Conviction possible even without victims' bodies, DOJ seeks Japan's help in missing sabungeros case

Justice spokesperson Atty. Mico Clavano stated that a conviction is possible even without the victims' bodies, as long as the fact of death is proven in court.

Clavano explained that presenting the bodies would be strong evidence, but other means can also establish the fact of death, such as photos or videos of the killing.

This legal principle aligns with the doctrine of corpus delicti, which refers not to the body of the deceased, but to the fact that a crime has been committed.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has formally asked the Japanese government for equipment to assist in the planned recovery of remains of the missing 'sabungeros' purportedly dumped in Taal Lake in Batangas.