Potential witness in missing sabungeros case sends feelers to Napolcom

Another potential witness in the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts or sabuneros has sent feelers to the National Police Commission (Napolcom), its official said on Thursday.

Napolcom vice chairperson and executive officer Atty. Rafael Vicente Calinisan said the individual, who was not identified, was able to give additional information on the case.

“Importante ito dahil mayroon ding dagdag detalye na lumulutang. Suffice it to say, welcome na welcome ang kahit na sinong tao na maaaring magbigay pa ng ibang detalye o susi sa ikalulutas nitong kaso,” Calinisan told GTV’s Balitanghali in an interview.

(This is important because there are also additional details surfacing. Suffice it to say, anyone who can provide other details or a key to solving this case is very welcome.)

According to him, the potential witness has a connection with whistleblower and co-accused Julie “Dondon” Patidongan.

Calinisan said authorities are willing to provide security for the potential witness.

“If he wants for us to secure him, of course, welcome. But I think mukhang safe pa naman siya sa kanyang kinalalagyan. Wala naman akong ganoon vibe na nakuha,” he said.

(If he wants us to secure him, of course, it's welcome. But I think he still looks safe where he is. I didn’t get that vibe.)

“Very creative kasi ang paraan ng pagpapabanggit sa akin ng detalye. Di ko rin maikuwento. Pero sabihin na lang natin na happy ako kung anumang creative means ‘yan because at least people now are trying to give the truth and bring the truth out,” he added.

(The way the details were told to me was very creative. I can’t even tell you. But let’s just say that I’m happy whatever that creative means are because at least people now are trying to give the truth and bring the truth out.)

Calinisan noted that the decision to make the person a state witness depends on the decision of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Napolcom has been investigating cops who were linked to the disappearance of the sabungeros for the administrative aspect of the case.

A total of 15 cops are under restrictive custody at Camp Crame, Quezon City for their alleged involvement in the abduction of the sabungeros as claimed by Patidongan.

The concerned police officers were assigned in support and regional units as well as in area police commands. One of them is due for retirement, while three have been dismissed.

As early as January 2023, seven cops allegedly involved in the crime were initially dismissed from the service.

Some of the 15 cops in restrictive custody were included in the alleged up to P2 million monthly payola from Atong Ang, who was among the supposed masterminds in the disappearances, as claimed by Patidongan.

A total of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts have been reported missing from 2021 to 2022. According to the police, the missing personalities were kidnapped allegedly due to match fixing or cheating in the cockfighting games.

Patidongan claimed that the victims were already buried in Taal Lake.

He named businessman Atong Ang as a mastermind in the case and also linked actress Gretchen Barretto to the disappearances. Both have denied the allegations. —GMA Integrated News