DOJ says there's a new witness in missing sabungeros case
A new witness has come forward in the case of the missing sabungeros and is expected to strengthen the credibility of whistleblower Julie "Dondon" Patidongan, alias "Totoy."
Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on July 28 that the new witness brings "real evidence."
“Bukod sa kwento, meron din siyang ebidensya pa na kalakip, kasama doon,” Remulla told the reporters.
"Napakahalaga. It bolsters the credibility of Totoy,” he said.
While Remulla didn't share much about the identity of the witness, he stressed that this individual is a civilian with intel about the case.
Meanwhile, Remulla said he asked Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III to relieve a service commander from the case.
"Hindi angkop ang kaniyang kilos sa pag-resolve ng kaso, e. Ayoko kasing nag-aalangan ako," the Justice Secretary explained. “Alam ninyo napakahalaga ng gantong tiwala sa prosesong ito. Tiwala ang pinakamahalagang [dito] magkaroon."
He clarified that the service commander is also not among the 12 police officers tagged in the missing sabungeros case. The National Police Commission on Tuesday found probable cause to file an administrative case against these cops, some of whom are ranked police colonle, lieutenant colonel, and police major.
Remulla said that he will compare notes with NAPOLCOM vice chairperson and executive officer Atty. Rafael Calinisan regarding the direction of the investigation.
The search and retrieval operation in Taal Lake has also resumed. DNA results of the previously retrieved bones have yet to be unveiled.
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. vowed in his fourth state of the nation address that the government will is working to solve the case of the missing sabungeros.
"Hahabulin at pananagutin natin ang mga utak at mga sangkot, sibilyan man o opisyal. Kahit malakas, mabigat, o mayaman, hindi sila mangingibabaw sa batas," he said. "Higit sa lahat, ipararamdam natin sa mga salarin ang bigat ng parusa sa karumal-dumal na krimen na mga ito."
Patidongan accused businessman Atong 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 cockfight enthusiasts.
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."
Remulla, meanwhile, said that Barretto and Ang will be included in the list of suspects, and formal cases will be filed against them soon.
