The Philippine National Police (PNP) expressed optimism that two newly apprehended individuals—brothers of whistleblower Julie Patidongan alias Totoy—would shed light on the abduction of several missing cockfighters, or “sabungeros”.
Considered key players in the high-profile disappearances, Elakim and Jose Patidongan were collared in a Southeast Asian country and returned to the Philippines on July 22, the PNP revealed on Thursday, July 31.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the two were named by Totoy, who alleged that they played a role in the kidnappings.
Elakim was identified as the person who withdrew money from the ATM account of missing sabungero Melbert John Santos, while Jose was seen on CCTV escorting another missing sabungero, Michael Bautista, prior to his disappearance.
Totoy’s original statements mentioned two individuals involved in withdrawing money and escorting Bautista, but did not disclose that they were his own brothers.
Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz, former head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), was instrumental in uncovering their identities and tracking them down.
Fajardo added that although CIDG operatives initially received intelligence that the brothers had left the country just days after Macapaz assumed his post on June 23, their movements across Southeast Asia complicated the manhunt.
Authorities eventually located the two and successfully brought them back to the Philippines.
Fajardo emphasized their importance in the investigation, especially as Totoy had implicated businessman Atong Ang, certain police officers, and other individuals in the sabungeros’ disappearances.
Ang, however, denied the allegations and has filed a case against Totoy.
Fajardo said a background check revealed that Jose was convicted of a criminal case, the reason why he was presented to a court. Elakim, on the other hand, was collared for using a passport with a fake name.
With the two now under the custody of Philippine authorities, Fajardo expressed optimism that they would provide essential information to shed light on the case of the missing sabungeros. (Aaron Recuenco)
