Whistleblower files admin raps vs cops tagged in ‘missing sabungeros’ case

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Whistleblower files admin raps vs cops tagged in ‘missing sabungeros’ case

Jeff Caparas,

ABS-CBN News

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Updated Jul 14, 2025 09:00 PM PHT

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MANILA (UPDATED) — Whistleblower Julie "Dondon" Patidongan on Monday lodged administrative complaints against several policemen who were allegedly involved in the death and disappearance of dozens of cockfighting enthusiasts. 

Patidongan, also known as "Totoy," personally filed administrative complaints before the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) against twelve police officers allegedly linked to the case.

Patidongan was accompanied by families of some of the missing when they filed their joint affidavit before NAPOLCOM's Inspection, Monitoring, and Investigation Service (IMIS).

Among those named in his complaint were a police colonel, a police lieutenant colonel, a police major, an executive master sergeant, a master sergeant, a senior master sergeant, a senior staff sergeant, two chief master sergeants, and a corporal.

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"Itong mga pulis na 'to, sila ang kumukuha ng mga missing sabungero galing sa farm. Sila ang nagdadala doon sa Taal Lake. Ah, 'yung marami 'yan sila actually. Hindi ko lang mapangalanan dahil kilalang-kilala ko naman 'yan sila sa mukha," says Patidongan.

Patidongan also identified a retired police general as allegedly being part of the group.

NAPOLCOM Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan assured them of due process while acknowledging the gravity of the allegations.

"Sa mga kwento at mga pangalan at paglutang mo dito eh senyales ng iyong tiwala sa National Police Commission. Nagpapasalamat kami sa iyo. Pero kailangan ko lang sabihin na ini-evaluate din namin muna yung mga kwentong inilalahad mo sa iyong affidavit. Hindi porket sinabi mo na sa affidavit eh kami'y maniniwala kaagad. Ibigay natin ng due process," said Calinisan.

"Tandaan natin na ang instruction natin ay paspasang resolusyon nung kasong ito. Inaasahan ko na ang mga miyembro ng PNP na di umano'y sangkot dito ay sasagot ng karaka-raka din," he added.

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Patidongan also claimed the retired general allegedly pushed Atong Ang to kill him over financial disputes linked to a group called "Alpha."

"Siya ay miyembro ng Alpha. Nalabas 'yung pangalan niya, pero ang nakalagay doon 'yung mayor na si … 'Yun ang naka ah lantad na pangalan. Ngayon, 'yan si General…  isa 'yan na nag-udyok kay Mr. Atong Ang, 'Mga boss, patayin mo na si Dondon para matapos na 'yung problema mo na 'yan.' Pero wala siyang tinatanggap na monthly, sir. Ah, may monthly 'yan sila. 'Yung Alpha nga, 'pag sinabing Alpha, kasama siya sa hatian nung 70 million. Pero tatlo 'yan silang nag-grupo, siguro hati-hati sila sa 70 million a month," he said.

When asked where he draws the strength to come forward, Patidongan almost broke down.

"Pag ang pinag-uusapan dito ito pamilya, pupuksaing niyo na lahat. Wala akong katatakutan sa kanila. Kung gaano kadulas ang bomba nila kung papatayin niya, uuna siya dito sa kanya. Kung sino ang papatayin niya ako, pupuksain mo kung pamilya ko, hindi na pwede yan," he said.

ABS-CBN News has reached out to the retired general and the police colonel named by Patidongan but has yet to receive any response to calls and messages.

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The accused officers are facing administrative charges of Grave Misconduct and Conduct Unbecoming of a Police Officer—offenses that could result in suspension or dismissal from service.

Earlier in the day, police confirmed that human remains were among the sacks of bones recovered from Taal Lake. 

Search teams continued scouring the lake which spans more than 230 square kilometers.

— With a report from Agence France-Presse 


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