Camille Naredo

Whistleblower Julie Patidongan, also known as "Totoy," files charges against active and retired Philippine National Police (PNP) officials allegedly involved in the case of the missing sabungeros, at the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) headquarters in Quezon City on July 14, 2025. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Whistleblower Julie Patidongan, also known as "Totoy," files charges against active and retired Philippine National Police (PNP) officials allegedly involved in the case of the missing sabungeros, at the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) headquarters in Quezon City on July 14, 2025.

Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

MISSING SABUNGEROS- PATIDONGAN

Lyza Aquino

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175568709101320250714-missing-sabungero-whistleblower-patidongan-JC0768.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Whistleblower Julie Patidongan, also known as &quot;Totoy,&quot; files charges against active and retired Philippine National Police (PNP) officials allegedly involved in the case of the missing sabungeros, at the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) headquarters in Quezon City on July 14, 2025. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News"/>Whistleblower Julie Patidongan, also known as &quot;Totoy,&quot; files charges against active and retired Philippine National Police (PNP) officials allegedly involved in the case of the missing sabungeros, at the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) headquarters in Quezon City on July 14, 2025. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News</div>MANILA -- Whistleblower Julie Patidongan, along with his legal team, attended a court hearing at the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 185 on Wednesday afternoon for seven counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention filed against him and five others.The alleged incident occurred on January 13, 2022, involving several cockfight enthusiasts or sabungeros.Since the arraignment and pre-trial conference in September 2023, the case has undergone multiple hearings, with several prosecution witnesses taking the stand—including members of the Philippine National Police and private individuals. Bail was granted to each accused in the amount of P3 million last December 2023.Atty. Manuel Ventura, legal counsel for Julie Patidongan, appeared alongside his client and emphasized their commitment to the legal process by voluntarily attending the hearing despite holding a waiver of appearance.<div><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/8/18/doj-to-ask-manila-court-to-discharge-patidongan-to-serve-as-state-witness-in-sabungeros-case-1642">DOJ to ask Manila court to discharge Patidongan to serve as state witness in &#x27;sabungeros&#x27; case</a></div>“Earlier, I required my clients—Julie Patidongan and Cordilla—to be present, even though I knew they had waivers of appearance. It’s simply a gesture of respect for the court and the rule of law,” Ventura said.However, Ventura noted that the four other accused individuals did not appear in court during the session.Ventura stressed the defense’s intent to cross-examine all prosecution witnesses.“After conferring with our clients, we made it clear that we want to cross-examine all the prosecution witnesses they will present, in accordance with the right to confrontation,” he said.To date, several witnesses have completed their testimonies, while others have either submitted stipulations or are awaiting cross-examination.Ventura also raised concerns about the adequacy of the case records provided to the defense.“We also manifested that the records forwarded to us are not sufficient to allow us to defend our clients intelligently. So, we will go through each document—many volumes in court—piece by piece. We will scrutinize every letter on every page,” he said.<div><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/8/7/patidongan-camp-confirms-filing-of-affidavit-on-missing-sabungeros-case-2248">Patidongan camp confirms filing of affidavit on missing &#x27;sabungeros&#x27; case</a></div>Despite the rainy weather, Ventura shared that the legal team remained in good spirits.“We’re doing well, despite the rain. Maybe that’s even a blessing—it started raining as we were heading home,” he added with a smile.He assured that Patidongan’s legal team remains focused and determined.“Our legal team is very focused on the case. We won’t leave any stone unturned. We read and study every document carefully, as is the duty of any lawyer.”The next hearing is scheduled for September 23, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., during which the court is expected to continue the prosecution’s presentation and proceed with further cross-examinations.Patidongan is one of the key whistleblowers in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of cockfight enthusiasts in the country.

Whistleblower Julie Patidongan, along with his legal team, attended a court hearing at the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 185 on Wednesday afternoon for seven counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention filed against him and five others.

Whistleblower Julie Patidongan, along with his legal team, attended a court hearing at the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 185 on Wednesday afternoon for seven counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention filed against him and five others.

Whistleblower Patidongan, other co-accused attend court hearing for kidnapping, illegal detention charges

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Whistleblower Patidongan, other co-accused attend court hearing for kidnapping, illegal detention charges

Lyza Aquino,

ABS-CBN News

Published Aug 20, 2025 06:58 PM PHT

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Julie Patidongan

kidnapping

serious illegal detention

Manila Regional Trial Court

missing sabungeros

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