Haunted by threats to his family’s lives, whistleblower Julie “Totoy” Patidongan finally broke four years of silence to expose what he claims is behind the disappearance of 34 “sabungeros” (cockfighting enthusiasts).
The fear that his loved ones would be killed pushed him out of hiding and compelled him to file a formal complaint against 12 police officers allegedly involved in the abduction and murder of the victims.
He said the actual number of missing individuals could reach more than 100.
In a press conference after submitting his complaint before the National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Monday, July 14, Patidongan appeared composed as he described how the missing sabungeros were forcibly taken by the cops and brought to a farm near Taal Lake in Batangas. There, he claimed, the victims were killed and their remains dumped into the lake between 2021 to 2022.
However, when asked why he chose to speak out now, Patidongan broke down.
“Kahit sinong tao kapag ang pinag-usapan dito pamilya, put**** nila,” he said in tears, standing up from his seat, his voice shaking.
“Wala akong kinatatakutan sa kanila. Kung alam niyo lang, buong pamilya ko papatayin niya,” he added.
Patidongan, who claims ownership of many betting stations frequented by the sabungeros, did not specify who threatened his family.
But during the same press briefing, he accused gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang of masterminding the killings – allegedly hiring cops to kidnap sabungeros suspected of match-fixing.
“Iyan ang sinabi ko sa kaniya, ‘Okay lang patayin mo ako pero patayin mo ang buong pamilya ko, hindi pwede ‘yan’,” Patidongan said.
Ang has denied the allegations and responded by filing complaints against Patidongan for robbery, grave threat, coercion, slander, and incriminating an innocent person.
The Napolcom is reviewing the complaint of Patidongan against the accused cops and expects to release a resolution within 60 days.
Meanwhile, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) divers continue searching the depths of Taal Lake, where five sacks containing burned human and animal remains have already been recovered. (Martin Sadongdong)
