Whistleblower to file formal raps vs cops in missing sabungeros case

DEEP DIVE The Philippine Coast Guard says its divers are following a pattern based on information given by the whistleblower Julie Patidongan in the search for the remains of the missing “sabungeros” in Taal Lake. They are photographed here on Friday (July 11) from the shoreline of Barangay Balakilong in Laurel, Batangas province. INQUIRER / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — Whistleblower Julie Patidongan, also known as Totoy, will be filing complaints before the National Police Commission (Napolcom) against the police officers allegedly involved in the abductions of cockfighting enthusiasts (sabungeros).

Last June, Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Calinisan opened a motu proprio investigation after Patidongan claimed in an earlier interview that law enforcers were paid to kidnap and kill the sabungeros.

“On Monday, I will definitely go to Napolcom,” Patidongan said in Filipino during an interview over DZBB on Saturday morning. “I will be filing complaints against the police officers I mentioned.”

Last Monday, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III confirmed that 15 police officers — 11 of whom are still on active duty — had been placed under restrictive custody at Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Are any of Patidongan’s associates willing to come forward to support the investigation? He replied:

“There are already some. Former police officers who were involved are starting to reach out. Maybe, once they’re all gathered in Camp Crame, someone might speak up.”

READ: New substantial leads emerge in missing sabungeros probe – Napolcom

INQUIRER.net sought comment from Calinisan, but has yet to receive a response as of this writing.

For his part, in a chance interview last Wednesday, Calinisan said the agency was in contact with individuals who had “substantial” information about the case.

He also previously urged Patidongan to file an affidavit with Napolcom to support its investigation.

Patidongan is among six Manila Arena security personnel facing kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges in connection with the January 2022 disappearance of five sabungeros and their driver. /jpv