Whistleblower files complaint vs. 12 cops in missing ‘sabungeros’ case

Metro Manila, Philippines - Suspect-turned-whistleblower Julie Patidongan, alias Totoy, filed with the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) a complaint-affidavit against 12 police officers he tagged in the case of missing cockfight enthusiasts or “sabungeros.”

Some of the victims’ families joined Patidongan in the complaint filed on Monday, July 14.

“Sila ang kumukuha ng missing sabungero galing sa farm, nagdadala sa Taal Lake [The police officers kidnapped the cockfight enthusiasts and brought them to Taal Lake],” Patidongan said in a news conference.

He earlier said the remains were dumped in the lake, prompting authorities to scour the deep.

“Sila yong tagaligpit ng war on drug noon [The police officers are also involved in the extrajudicial killing during the war on drugs],” Patidongan said in linking the suspects to the past administration’s drug campaign.

Rafael Vicente Calinisan, NAPOLCOM vice chairperson and executive officer, said the police officers could face complaints of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer, and the penalty is dismissal from service.

He said the NAPOLCOM would resolve the case within 60 days.

The Philippine National Police said three of the 15 police officers tagged by Patidongan have been dismissed.

The rest are under restrictive custody, said PNP spokesperson PBGen Jean Fajardo.