Kin of missing sabungeros more determined to seek justice after Patidongan's claims

The families of other missing sabungeros (cockfight enthusiasts) are more determined now to file charges against the people behind the disappearances following the claims of whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan. 

In Jun Veneracion’s report in “24 Oras” on Thursday, the mother of one of the missing sabungeros has been longing for justice for more than three years. 

“Hindi siya maalis sa puso ko, sa isip ko, araw-gabi po. Parang malaking dagok sa pamilya namin po, lalo na sa isang ina,” said “Carla.” 

(He remains in my heart and mind, day and night. Our family is still grieving, especially for a mother like me.) 

Her son is Roel Gomez, who was last seen at the Manila Arena with the other missing sabungeros on January 13, 2022. “Carla” is hoping that those who abducted her son will bring him back. 

“Kung sino ka man po, yung anak ko, kung isa sa siya sa pinatay niyo o kaya buhay pa, pakiusap naman po ibalik na lang kung siya ay buhay pa. Pero maski masakit man tanggapin na isa siya sa pinatay niyo ay wala na po kaming magagawa,” she said. 

(Whoever has my son, please return him to us if he’s still alive. Although it’s difficult to accept that he could have been killed, we cannot do anything.) 

“Carla” and other relatives of the missing sabungeros went to the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) to seek help in the investigation. 

For its part, the PNP-CIDG assured the sabungeros’ families that it will seek further evidence to prove Patidongan’s claims. 

“One thing that the CIDG can assure the family, we will deliver justice for their family members….Kung hindi natin mabigyan ng hustisya ‘yan, walang saysay ‘yung pagiging pulis natin dito (If we fail to bring them justice, then there is no point in our police),” said PNP-CIDG director Police Brigadier Gen. Romeo Macapaz. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News