New witness backs missing sabungeros whistleblower

A second civilian witness has surfaced to support whistleblower Julie “Totoy” Patidongan’s allegations in the case of the missing sabungeros, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced on July 30.

Remulla said the new witness offers both testimonial corroboration and additional evidence linked to the string of disappearances tied to cockfighting activities.

Patidongan earlier accused businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto of being involved in the abductions and killings of several sabungeros.

Following the emergence of the witness, authorities resumed diver-assisted search operations in Taal Lake, where skeletal remains, including a skull with intact teeth, were recently recovered.

The Department of Justice confirmed that the bones have been submitted for DNA testing to determine whether they belong to any of the missing individuals.

Meanwhile, two suspects described as “missing links” in the investigation were arrested and are now being questioned by the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

One of them was seen in CCTV footage using an ATM card belonging to a missing sabungero, while the other was reportedly present during an alleged abduction of a different victim.

Remulla noted that one suspect was caught through a robbery warrant, while the other was using a falsified passport under a different name.

Napolcom also found probable cause to file administrative charges against 12 police officers, including senior officials, for their suspected involvement in or mishandling of the disappearances.

Earlier this week, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. vowed in his State of the Nation Address that all those responsible, whether civilian or in uniform, would be held accountable “regardless of wealth or status.”