Totoy files complaint vs cops tagged 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, 2025) from the shoreline of Barangay Balakilong in Laurel, Batangas province.
[Updated July 14, 2025, 6:26 p.m.]
MANILA, Philippines — Whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan (alias Totoy) filed on Monday a complaint against the 12 Philippine National Police (PNP) members reportedly involved in the case of the missing sabungeros.
Patidongan is joined by other complainants, who are relatives of missing sabungeros. They lodged formal charges against the police officers at the central office of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) in Quezon City around 2:45 p.m.
Below is the list of police officers Patidongan named during a press conference after he filed his complaint:
- Police Colonel Jacinto Malinao Jr.
- Police Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Jay Orapa
- Police Major Mark Philip Almedilla
- Police Executive Master Sergeant Aaron Ezrah Cabillan
- Police Chief Master Sergeant Arturo dela Cruz Jr.
- Police Staff Master Sergeant (PSMS) Joey Encarnacion
- PSMS Mark Anthony Manrique
- PSMS Anderson Abale
- Police Staff Sergeant Alfredo Andres
Police Corporal Angel Joseph Martin Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan said he has yet to review the complaint, but based on the testimony of Patidongan, possible administrative cases that will be filed against the 12 police officers are grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
If found guilty, these officers might face penalties ranging from suspension and demotion to dismissal from service. Calinisan said Napolcom will release its decision on this case in 60 days.
Aside from these officers, Patidongan also tagged retired Police Lieutenant General Jonnel Estomo, who wants him dead.
“General Estomo is an Alpha member [of Pitmaster Group]. He was one of the people who urged Mr. Atong Ang to have me killed. He said: Boss, kill Dondon Patidongan so you’re problems will be solved,” the whistleblower, speaking in Filipino, claimed.
“They have a monthly payment because they are an Alpha member. If someone is an Alpha member, that means they received P70 million, but since there are three in the group, maybe they shared it,” he added.
Reporters tried to get Estomo’s reaction to these allegations but he has yet to reply as of posting time.
It was Patidongan — one of the six security guards accused of abducting the cockfighting enthusiasts — who revealed that the missing sabungeros were reportedly buried in Taal Lake.
In June, Patidongan disclosed that the abductors used a tie wire to strangle the victims before reportedly dumping their bodies into the lake.
The whistleblower likewise said that law enforcers were paid to kidnap and kill the sabungeros. This revelation resulted in the motu proprio investigation launched by Calinisan at the Napolcom.
On July 4, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed that 15 members of the PNP are being investigated after they were linked to the case.
PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III confirmed that these officers are under restrictive custody in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
Of the 15, Torre said 11 were active, one retired, while three were dismissed even before the news about their involvement in the case surfaced.
Torre added that more cops might be linked to the case as the investigation deepens. /apl