Whistleblower files complaint vs 12 cops allegedly linked to missing sabungeros
Whistleblower Julie "Dondon" Patidongan, alias "Totoy," and the families of the missing cockfighters have filed a complaint against 12 cops who were allegedly involved in the disappearances.
In the complaint-affidavit filed before the National Police Commission on July 14, Patidongan accused the policemen of abducting the missing sabungeros from businessman Atong Ang's farm.
"Sila ang nagdadala doon sa Taal Lake. Marami 'yan sila actually, 'di ko lang mapangalanan dahil kilalang-kilala ko naman sa mukha," he said.
NAPOLCOM Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan said that the cops may face administrative charges for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer. If found guilty, the tagged officers could face penalties ranging from suspension and demotion to dismissal from service.
Among those named by Patidongan is retired Police Lieutenant General Jonnel Estomo, who supposedly wanted the whistleblower dead.
"Si General Estomo, siya ay miyembro ng Alpha. Isa 'yan sa nag-udyok kay Mr. Atong Ang na, 'Boss, patayin mo 'yan si Dondon Patidongan para matapos na ang problema mo na 'yan,'" he said, adding that "Alpha" members get a monthly payment.
15 police officers, including a lieutenant colonel, linked to the missing sabungeros were taken under restrictive custody at Camp Crame in early July, Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III said.
'Mixed' human, animal bones found
Torre said that the recovered bones from the search for missing sabungeros were human remains. It was also discovered that some of the bones were from animals.
"Halo-halo 'no kasi alam niyo naman may farm diyan sa lugar na 'yan," he said, pertaining to Laurel, Batangas and Taal Lake. "So andiyan na lahat ng makikita natin. May mga na-recover na mga animal remains, may human."
Authorities are still examining all of the recovered bones in the five sacks that have been recovered since July 10. The Philippine Coast Guard on July 13 dismissed claims that the retrieved sacks were planted at the bottom of Taal Lake.
Ang was tagged by Patidongan as one of the persons allegedly behind the abductions of missing sabungeros. He accused Ang, actress Gretchen Barretto, Eric Dela Rosa, and Celso Salazar of being the masterminds in the case of not just 34 but over 100 missing cockfighters.
The whistleblower, who said he has been working for Ang for 15 years as the chief of security of his farms and cockfight areas, alleged that Ang is the pit master's chairman. "Siya ang mastermind, at siya ang nag-uutos na talagang iligpit ang mga 'yan," he said in his interview with GMA's 24 Oras.
While he's one of the six accused in the missing sabungeros case, Patidongan asserted that he was merely following orders from Ang.
Ang filed cases against Patidongan and another whistleblower, Alan Bantiles, also known as "Brown," who had also tagged him in the case. The complaints filed before the Office of Mandaluyong City Prosecutor include attempted robbery, violence and intimidation, grave threats, grave coercion, and incriminating innocent people.
Ang denied the allegations. "Wala naman kaming history na pumapatay ng tao—paano mangyayari 'yan?" he said in a July 3 press conference.
His camp, in a statement, called the accusations against him "entirely false, baseless, and malicious."
"He categorically and unequivocally denies any involvement in the alleged unlawful, heinous, and criminal acts that have recently been reported and linked to him," it read.
Barretto, through her legal counsel, also denied involvement in the case, noting she "has no relevant knowledge" about the disappearances.
"She did not operate the sabungan, had no participation in e-sabong operations that was suspended more than two years ago, and was merely an investor in the business (one of about 20 investors categorized as alpha members)," her lawyer said. "She attended no meetings where approvals were sought nor given to implement the disappearances. The proposition is so absurd, it is plain invention. Ms. Barretto regrets that she is being crucified without basis, and has become the subject of unsavory speculation based on rumor."
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, meanwhile, said that Barretto and Ang will be included in the list of suspects, and formal cases will be filed against them soon.
