MISSING SABUNGEROS

Fifteen police officers implicated in the disappearance of “sabungeros” (cockfight aficionados) have been placed under restricted custody, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced on Friday. This development follows a meeting between Remulla and the families of the missing individuals, where he assured them of the government’s unwavering commitment to solving the case.

“There are now restrictions on 15 members of the Philippine National Police involved in the missing ‘sabungeros’ case. They are now on restricted duty and are required to report to designated offices so they can no longer participate in operations,” Remulla stated. He further revealed that these officers played a significant role in the alleged killings, stating, “They carried out the executions.”

The Justice Secretary emphasized that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is “leaving no stone unturned” to bring justice to the victims’ families. “We will not stop this; justice is truly needed. You know, our soul as Filipinos is at stake here; we will not allow money to be the lord of Filipinos, it should not be like that,” Remulla asserted.

Allegations from ‘Alias Totoy’

The move to place the officers under restricted custody comes after Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as “Alias Totoy,” a former security chief in cockfight arenas, came forward with explosive allegations. He claimed that the disappearances were orchestrated by a syndicate controlling the multi-billion-peso cockfighting industry, which saw significant growth during the pandemic due to online operations.

Totoy alleged that an “Alpha” group, composed of 20 businessmen and influential investors, controlled all aspects of the games. He further accused certain police officers of colluding with this group in the killing of the victims and the dumping of their bodies in Taal Lake in Batangas.

NAPOLCOM’s targeted investigation

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) confirmed that it has already identified police officers potentially involved in the disappearance of over 100 cockfighting enthusiasts. NAPOLCOM Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Atty. Rafael Vicente Calinisan stated, “Our investigation is now highly targeted. So we have an idea who are involved.”

While the commission awaits a formal affidavit from “Alias Totoy,” Calinisan stressed that the investigation would not be stalled by its absence. “Even without an affidavit, it can still proceed. But an affidavit is different; having a complainant is different. As you say in your terminology, we now have a talking head. So, this person, Alias Totoy, is singing, pointing to people. It seems this person is an insider. So, his testimony is really important because he is the key into the group,” Calinisan explained.

He added that if the affidavit is not obtained, other evidence would be sought. Once formally identified, administrative cases may be filed against the implicated officers, who will be given due process to defend themselves. However, if their involvement is proven, NAPOLCOM will not hesitate to impose disciplinary actions, including dismissal from service.

Calinisan also addressed Totoy’s allegation of a police colonel’s involvement, stating, “Let’s just say that from the lowest to the highest ranks, Jeff, if Alias Totoy says there’s a colonel, then so be it.” He neither confirmed nor denied the specific rank but indicated that “small police officers would not act without officials. So you can expect that there are officials involved.” He also noted that since the disappearances occurred relatively recently (around four years ago), it is likely that some implicated officers are still in active service.

NAPOLCOM is actively coordinating with PNP Chief General Nicolas Torre III, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), and the Department of Justice to ensure a full and credible resolution of the case. Calinisan assured families that the formal investigation, once initiated, would be concluded within two months, promising “justice” and “closure.”

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