Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Lyza Aquino

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Whistleblower Julie Patidongan has confirmed that he and his brother Elakim formally submitted their official affidavit to the Department of Justice (DOJ) last Friday, August 1, in connection with the high-profile case of missing cockfighting enthusiasts. The DOJ is expected to release an initial evaluation of their sworn statements next week.Despite the absence of recovered bodies directly linked to the victims, the Patidongan camp remains confident that they have compelling evidence to support their claims and bring those responsible to justice.“The documents are in. Nakapaghain na ang mga biktima at nakapaghain na rin ang aming kliyente ng kanilang salaysay ng pagtestigo. Mahigit 50 ang sinampahan [ng mga biktima],” said Atty. Manuel Ventura, legal counsel of the Patidongan brothers.&quot;As to the credibility of our clients, we maintain their integrity. Malinis ang record nila. naniniwala ako sa declaration nila sa kanilang personal knowledge that is backed up by real object evidence,&quot; Ventura added.Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier revealed that Elakim Patidongan claimed to have personally witnessed the killing of nearly 10 missing sabungeros. The Patidongan camp said they are ready to prove that claim in court.“That’s true, kasama na siya. We have real and object evidence,” Ventura said.Meanwhile, the DOJ announced the recovery of two skulls and several items of clothing from their operation in Taal Lake.DOJ Spokesperson Mico Clavano stated that DNA matching will be conducted using the recovered remains, with coordination underway between the authorities and the families of the missing.“Well in a murder case, it’s very helpful to produce the body,” Clavano said. “If we are able to identify that the person we are looking for—and we assume is already dead—is exactly this person, mapapalakas po talaga ang kaso natin because we are able to present the body of the victim,&quot; he said.However, the Patidongan brothers’ legal team argues that even in the absence of the victims’ bodies, the case can still proceed.“In the string of cases ruled by the supreme court, ‘corpus delicti’—which means body of the crime—does not refer to the body of the deceased,” Ventura explained when asked what would happen if no DNA match is made.Julie Patidongan has also disclosed that he has received new threats to his life, which he believes are connected to his recent filing at the DOJ.“Katulad kagabi. Alam ko naman na sila yun, hindi lang sila makakapasok… may sasakyan doon paikot-ikot. Ngayon chineck ko yung plaka, hindi tugma doon sa sasakyan. Sa ngayon okay naman yun, hindi naman sila makapenetrate,” he said.Meanwhile, the Patidongan brothers have also filed their counter-affidavit and rejoinder affidavit in a separate case before the Mandaluyong trial court.This case was filed by businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, who previously claimed that Julie Patidongan is the alleged mastermind behind the disappearance of the cockfighting bettors.“The clients are innocent—Patidongan and [Alan] Bantiles. Eventually we hope the fiscal and judges will dismiss charges… malabong mangyari na mastermind ang client ko. alam ng publiko kung sino ang mastermind dito,&quot; said Ventura.Ventura also refuted claims made by Ang’s spokesperson, Atty. Gabby Villareal, that Elakim Patidongan had been detained for 10 days.“I beg to disagree. July 22 daw arestado pero July 25 nakalaya siya eh. Kasama na namin si Elakim by July 25. There’s no truth about it. Ako pa ang sumundo,” he said.In a related development, the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) has revealed that the scope of their investigation may include high-ranking officials.“Tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang ating investigations. We’re not limited again to the 18 names by Totoy. We’re not limited to the 12 names the IMIS has previously sued with the legal service. Marami pa pong ibang pangalan na hindi pa umulutang… at marami pang ibang pangalan na matataas ang ranggo na ating sinisilip,” said Commissioner Ralph Calinisan, Vice Chairman and Executive Officer of NAPOLCOM.Calinisan also revealed that several individuals are allegedly attempting to interfere with the investigation.“Marami na hong nakikialam, marami hong nagsusubok mag-interfere. ‘Pag sinabi ko pa ho ‘yong ranggo no’ng mga heneral na ‘yon ay marami pa lalo makikialam, so ‘wag na ho. Let us do our jobs peacefully, quietly and effectively,” he added.

Julie Patidongan has confirmed that he and his brother Elakim formally submitted their official affidavit to the Department of Justice (DOJ) last Friday, August 1, in connection with the high-profile case of missing cockfighting enthusiasts.

Julie Patidongan has confirmed that he and his brother Elakim formally submitted their official affidavit to the Department of Justice (DOJ) last Friday, August 1, in connection with the high-profile case of missing cockfighting enthusiasts.

Patidongan camp confirms filing of affidavit on missing 'sabungeros' case

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Nation

Patidongan camp confirms filing of affidavit on missing 'sabungeros' case

Lyza Aquino,

ABS-CBN News

Published Aug 07, 2025 10:48 PM PHT

Read More:

DOJ

Department of Justice

Julie Patidongan

Elakim Patidongan

missing sabungero

ABSNews

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.