Patidongan, missing sabungeros kin file complaint vs 12 cops at NAPOLCOM

Whistleblower and one of the accused Julie “Dondon”  Patidongan as well as the families of the missing sabungeros on Monday filed a complaint-affidavit against 12 active cops who were allegedly linked to the disappearances. 

The complaint-affidavit was filed before the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM).

In a press conference after the filing, Patidongan said the implicated cops were involved in the abduction and transport of the sabungeros from farms to Taal Lake. 

“Itong mga pulis na ito. Sila ang mga kumukuha ng mga missing sabungero galing sa farm. Sila ang nagdadala doon sa Taal Lake,” Patidongan said.

NAPOLCOM vice chairperson and executive officer Atty. Rafael Vicente Calinisan said the 12 police officers may face administrative charges for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

“Assuming yung mga sinalaysay ni Dondon yun yung nakalagay sa affidavit, ang most likely na kaso ay grave misconduct at conduct unbecoming of a police officer,” Calinisan said.

“Ang penalties noon ang pinakamababa ay suspension, ang gitnang penalty ay demotion, ang pinakamabigat na penalty doon ay dismissal from the service,” he added.

(Assuming the statements of Dondon are included in his affidavit, ang most likely the cases are grave misconduct at conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

“The lowest penalty is suspension, the middle penalty is demotion, the heaviest penalty is dismissal from the service.)

According to him, the NAPOLCOM will have a decision on the matter in 60 days.

General named

Patidongan said around 30 more inactive cops were involved in the disappearance of the sabungeros.

Asked if there are involved police officers in higher ranks, Patidongan answered provided the name of retired Police Lieutenant General Jonnel Estomo.

“Si General Estomo, siya ay miyembro ng Alpha. Yang si General Estomo, isa yan sa nag-udyok kay Mr. Atong Ang na ‘Boss, patayin mo na si Dondon Patidongan para matapos na yung problema mo na yan’,” Patidongan said.

“May monthly yan sila kasi Alpha nga. Kapag sinabing Alpha kasama siya sa hatian na P70 million pero tatlo silang grupo siguro hati-hati sila sa P70 million a month,” he added.

GMA News Online has sought comment from Estomo but he has yet to respond as of posting time.

Patindongan said the cops in the missing sabungeros case were also involved in the drug war killings.

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 already dismissed from the service.

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. — AOL/RF, GMA Integrated News