Bato to Patidongan: Show evidence vs cops allegedly linked to missing sabungeros

Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Thursday called on whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan to present evidence proving the alleged involvement of 12 active police officers in the disappearances of the missing sabungeros or cockfighting enthusiasts.

Dela Rosa, who served as chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the Duterte administration, made the call after Patidongan and the families of the missing sabungeros filed a complaint-affidavit against the cops before the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM).

“Sabihin niya kung sino ‘yan at iprisenta ang ebidensya para lumabas ang hustisya,” the senator said. 

(He should reveal their identities and present the evidence against them so we can find justice.) 

“Hindi lang hustisya doon sa missing sabungeros, hindi lang hustisya ni Dondon Patidongan, kundi hustisya para din doon sa mga inaakusahan niya na mga police officers para magkaalaman. Ipresenta niya ‘yan,” he added. 

(It's not only justice for the missing sabungeros and Dondon Patidongan, but also justice for the cops being accused. He should present the evidence.) 

Patidongan had claimed that the implicated cops were involved in the abduction and transport of the sabungeros from farms to Taal Lake. He also said at least 30 inactive cops were involved in the case.

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

According to Dela Rosa, who led the Senate investigation into the missing sabungeros in 2022 as chairman of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, the probable reason why Patidongan only revealed the information now was because of guilt or “money matters.” 

“Everything is possible. Pero ako siguro, more on…tingin ko lang, akin lang naman ito, baka hindi na siya nakakatulog doon, baka minumulto na siya nung nawawalang 36 sabungeros. Baka, minumulto siya. Hindi na siya makatulog. Baka, kaya siguro siya biglang bumaliktad,” he said. 

(But personally, I think Patidongan said those because he is being haunted by the ghosts of the cockfighting enthusiasts. Maybe he couldn’t sleep any longer, that’s why he revealed it.) 

Dela Rosa also said that he will no longer file a resolution in the 20th Congress seeking to reopen the Senate inquiry into the matter. 

“Pero sa narinig ko, merong gusto mag-file ng resolution [I heard someone wants to file a resolution]. Then once referred to my committee, I am going to reopen the case,” he reiterated. 

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday said some people who have been involved in the "death squads" that figured in the drug war under the Duterte administration may also be involved in the deaths related to the e-sabong or online cockfights during the pandemic.

Some of the recovered bones from Taal Lake during the search for missing sabungeros were human remains, according to PNP chief Police General Nicolas Torre III.

Patidongan has named Atong Ang as a mastermind in the case and linked actress Gretchen Barretto to the disappearances. Both have denied the accusations. — RF, GMA Integrated News