Manila, Aug. 13 -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday doused the evidentiary worth of supposed sworn statements allegedly signed by former employees of Julie Patidongan, the whistleblower in the case of the fate of the missing "sabungeros" (cockfight enthusiasts).

"Even if the CIDG (the Philippine National Police's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) did submit the affidavits to this department, it would not be given a lot of weight, especially because it is being offered by no less than the defense team," DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said in a message to reporters.

"The situation is quite awkward, even for the respondents."

A lawyer of one of the police personnel earlier called on the CIDG to release the sworn state...