Ched Rick Gatchalian

Authorities on search and retrieval operation

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Patidongan hopes authorities can quickly retrieve remains of 'missing sabungeros' in Taal Lake

Lyza Aquino

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/48YTOdc5F9Q?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><div><br/></div><p>TAAL LAKE, BATANGAS —  As the government started “technical site assessment” in Taal Lake for the search and retrieval operations of the &quot;missing sabungeros&quot;, whistleblower Julie Patidongan alias &quot;Totoy&quot; expressed optimism — urging authorities to act swiftly and thoroughly. </p><p>“Sana nga may makuha sila agad kasi alam ko sobrang lalim niyan eh,” Patidongan said, highlighting the challenges the search teams face in the lake’s murky and deep waters.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/7/10/families-of-missing-sabungeros-meet-whistleblower-1339">Families of &#x27;missing sabungeros&#x27; meet whistleblower, file fresh affidavits</a></div><p>According to Patidongan, Taal Lake became the suspected site for the disposal of the victims’ bodies due to its proximity to a fish farm allegedly owned by a police officer involved in the disappearances of the sabungeros. </p><p>“Katulad ng sinabi ko, siguro gawa nang nandyan yung palaisdaan ng isang pulis,” he explained, citing video evidence that showed bodies weighed down with sandbags before being submerged.</p><p>He also claimed that the victims were not dumped all at once, saying, “Hindi [sabay sabay], at kanya-kanyang pabigat [ng buhangin]. yes sa Taal Lake mismo [tinapon].”</p><p>Patidongan added he is preparing a sworn statement for the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), following a late-night session finalizing most of his affidavit.</p><p>“Kagabi nag-overtime kami, inabot kami ng madaling-araw,” he said, adding that he expects to coordinate with the PNP Internal Affairs Service soon.</p><p>“Baka bukas ng umaga, magkaano na kami sa NAPOLCOM,” he added, noting the document is 90% complete and that more testimonies from families of the victims are being filed with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Canlubang.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/7/3/who-is-totoy-whistleblower-in-missing-sabungeros-reveals-identity-1659">Who is ‘Totoy’? Whistleblower in missing sabungeros steps out of the shadows</a></div><div> <strong>On possible state witnesses</strong></div><p>Reacting to reports that some police officers implicated in the case have a possibility of being turned a state witnesses, Patidongan welcomed the development.</p><p>“Malamang at sila talaga ang may idea doon,” he said, expressing hope that such testimony could bolster his own. “Tanggapin naman ni DOJ yan… para meron na akong kakampi.”</p><p>Patidongan also fired back at Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Chairman Judge Felix Reyes, who publicly denied his allegations and questioned the timing of his revelations as he pursues the position of Ombudsman.</p><p>“Kaya ko silang hamunin ng lie detector test,” Patidongan asserted, addressing Reyes directly. “Baka magulantang siya kung marinig niya… kailangan ko lang muna ipaalam sa abogado ko.”</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/7/8/sc-on-missing-sabungeros-case-action-will-be-taken-if-necessary-1441">SC on &#x27;missing sabungeros&#x27; case: Action will be taken, if necessary</a></div><p>He also accused Reyes of orchestrating foreign trips for judges and allegedly giving them send-off money. “Yun na nga eh, dinahilan niya pa yung pag-apply niya [as ombudsman] Ang sinabi ko, siya ang nag-arrange sa mga judge na pumupunta sa ibang bansa at binigyan ng pabaon.”</p><p>The case of the missing sabungeros, which shocked the nation in 2022, continues to unravel with new leads, mounting pressure for justice, and growing implications for law enforcement and public officials.</p><p>Authorities are set to continue their search and retrieval operations of the bodies in Talisay, Batangas, tomorrow, July 11.</p>

<p>“Katulad ng sinabi ko, siguro gawa nang nandyan yung palaisdaan ng isang pulis,” he explained, citing video evidence that showed bodies weighed down with sandbags before being submerged.</p>

“Katulad ng sinabi ko, siguro gawa nang nandyan yung palaisdaan ng isang pulis,” he explained, citing video evidence that showed bodies weighed down with sandbags before being submerged.

Whistleblower hopes remains of missing 'sabungeros' are found soon

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Whistleblower hopes remains of missing 'sabungeros' are found soon

Lyza Aquino,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 10, 2025 06:15 PM PHT

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