A whistleblower has implicated two high-ranking police officers—an active police colonel and a retired police general—in the years-long mystery of the missing sabungeros in the Philippines.
Julie Patidongan, also known as “Alyas Totoy,” came forward with explosive claims, naming individuals allegedly behind the abduction and presumed killings of dozens of cockfighting enthusiasts. According to Patidongan, the retired police general had close ties with gambling operator Charlie “Atong” Ang and even advised him to have Patidongan killed.
“Yung dating heneral, siya po ‘yung nag-advise kay Charlie Atong Ang na ipapatay ako,” Patidongan said in a recorded interview aired by Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho on GMA.
Patidongan’s revelations are the latest and most damning in a case that has haunted the families of at least 34 missing sabungeros since 2021. Many of the victims disappeared after being linked to online cockfighting operations (e-sabong), which were later banned by the government.
In a separate development, the Philippine Coast Guard, Navy, and PNP have intensified their underwater search operations in Taal Lake, where sacks containing suspected human remains were recently recovered. DNA samples from 12 families of the missing men have been collected to help identify the skeletal remains, according to a report by Inquirer.net.
The National Police Commission (Napolcom) also confirmed that Patidongan has filed formal administrative complaints against several police officers believed to be involved in the operations. “We urge the public to support the ongoing investigation,” the agency stated, noting that they are now evaluating the whistleblower’s sworn statements.
In his televised statement, Patidongan alleged that at least 15 police officers participated in the abduction and killing operations. He also claimed to have personally witnessed how some of the victims were tortured and strangled.
