SC probes judge linked to missing sabungeros

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) is investigating a lower court judge allegedly involved in the disappearance of cockfight enthusiasts or sabungeros, according to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

He said he met with Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo yesterday to discuss the supposed involvement of the judiciary in the case.

Remulla indicated that the investigation could extend to other members of the judiciary potentially implicated in illegal cockfighting operations.

“They are now being investigated by the SC,” he told reporters.

When asked about the line of work or types of personalities being investigated, Remulla answered: “Uncommon behavior that is overtly not good for the justice system.”

Remulla said the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the SC, along with other government agencies, have been coordinating to improve the country’s justice system.

His meeting with Gesmundo took place after the alleged mastermind in the sabungeros’ disappearance reportedly claimed he has influence that could “penetrate the Supreme Court.”

Remulla expressed confidence in the SC’s commitment to upholding judicial integrity.

“We’re always in agreement with regards to how to improve the justice system,” he said.

“The Supreme Court is the best ally that we have for this,” he added.

Diving in Taal this week

Technical diving operations may begin this week to search for the remains of sabungeros who were allegedly dumped in Taal Lake, Remulla said.

He said a fishpond leased by one of the suspects is among the locations that will be searched.

During the course of investigation, Remulla said they found more personalities allegedly involved in the case and there could be another witness who could come forward within the week.

‘Totoy’ under PNP custody

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III confirmed that Julie Patidongan, alias “Totoy,” the whistleblower in the case of missing cockfighting enthusiasts or sabungeros, is currently under the protective custody of the police.

At a press briefing in Camp Crame yesterday, Torre said Patidongan has been providing information to authorities for months, and that the PNP had already submitted his sworn affidavit and supporting documents, including petty cash vouchers, to the DOJ as part of its preliminary investigation.

“Totoy has been under our care for some time now. We took his statement even before this became public. We kept it confidential to avoid compromising our operations,” Torre said in Filipino.

The PNP chief added that Patidongan is applying for coverage under the DOJ’s Witness Protection Program, and will be transferred to DOJ custody once accepted.

15 cops under ‘restrictive custody’

Torre also confirmed that 15 police officers are currently under restrictive custody at Camp Crame in relation to the case.
“They are now subjects of both administrative and criminal investigations. While we give them due process, let me be clear, we will not tolerate wrongdoing or allow justice to be undermined,” Torre said.

He noted that not all 15 names matched those in the petty cash vouchers attached to Patidongan’s affidavit, but said there was significant overlap.

He also clarified that some of the identified officers had been previously dismissed, while others came from different units such as regional offices and support commands. One implicated cop, according to Torre, is due for retirement.

“This investigation will not stop with 15 names. If more are identified, we will pursue them. We are committed to uncovering the truth and cleansing our ranks,” he said, noting the PNP’s collaboration with the National Police Commission on the probe.

Torre also acknowledged reports that the victims may have been killed and their bodies disposed of in Taal Lake or other areas.

“Based on witness accounts, the disposal sites are not limited to Taal Lake. Some were allegedly burned or buried elsewhere. We are verifying all these leads,” he said.

Families of the missing sabungeros have urged authorities to search Taal Lake, but Torre admitted it would be difficult without exact coordinates.

“It’s challenging, but it doesn’t mean we won’t try. If technical divers can manage, we will proceed. If not, we’ll consider other options,” he said.

Asked to assure the families of victims, Torre said the PNP is fully committed to pursuing justice.

“We will do our best. No one will be spared. Our only goal is to get justice for the victims and ensure accountability,” he said.

Torre said the PNP began investigating the case when he was still with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group. He said Patidongan first came forward during that period.

“We’ve been working silently on this for some time. When I learned what Totoy knew, I was shocked. The nature of the crimes was truly horrific,” he said.

The case involves over 30 missing sabungeros, who disappeared between 2021 and 2022.

Despite several hearings and investigations, none of the victims have been found. The DOJ is currently leading the probe, with the PNP assisting in evidence gathering and witness protection.

NBI involvement

Meanwhile, National Bureau of Investigation director Jaime Santiago strongly denied allegations that NBI personnel were involved in the alleged execution of the missing cockfighters.

Santiago responded to claims made by Patidongan, who accused the NBI of playing a role in the disappearance of the sabungeros.

The NBI chief challenged the informant to name any official or agent allegedly involved so that the agency can launch an immediate investigation.

“Tell us who they are. Point them out. If he doesn’t know the names, we are willing to do a line-up,” Santiago said.

“It is extremely unfair that the NBI is being dragged into this without any specific names,” he added.

Santiago assured the public that any NBI official or agent found involved in the case will be held accountable.

Meanwhile, the bureau is ready to lend its forensic experts to aid in the investigation of the missing sabungeros.

“Yes, I am volunteering. If they need our forensic expertise, I am very willing to extend our forensic expertise,” Santiago said. — Mark Ernest Villeza, Rainier Allan Ronda