SOJ Remulla: There is a new witness in missing sabungeros case

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Tuesday authorities will soon present a new witness in the case of the missing sabungeros that will bolster the credibility of whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan alias Totoy.

“Napakahagala. It bolsters the credibility of Totoy,”  Remulla said in an ambush interview. 

((It's) Very important. It bolsters the credibility of Totoy.) 

“Hindi lang ito testimonial evidence. May real evidence na involved dito. Meron dito totoong ebidensya na bukod sa kwento,” he later added.

(This is not just testimonial evidence. There is real evidence involved here. There is actual proof aside from the story.)

Patidongan, one of the accused in the case, previously told authorities that more than 100 sabungeros were abducted, killed, and then dumped at Taal Lake. 

According to Remulla, the new witness is a civilian whose name has yet to appear in media reports.

Police officer relieved from post

Meanwhile, Remulla also met with PNP chief Police General Nicolas Torre III at the Department of Justice main building.

He said he extended his gratitude to Torre for agreeing to his request to relieve a service commander from the case.

“Nakiusap ako kay General Torre na i-relieve yung isang service commander at nangyari naman. Kaya ngayon malinaw na naman ang aming landas patungo sa paglutas ng problemang ito,” he said.

(I asked General Torre to relieve a service commander and it happened. So now our path toward resolving this problem is once again clear.)

The Justice secretary clarified that the service commander was not removed for supposed involvement in the disappearance of the sabungeros, but due to a lack of trust.

“Meron siyang kinilos na hindi ko gusto,” he said.

(He did something that I didn’t like,)

“Alam ninyo napakahalaga ng gantong tiwala sa prosesong ito. Tiwala ang pinakamahalagang ano dito, magkaroon. Kasi kapag wala kang tiwala, paano magsasalita ang mga tao. Hindi buo ang tiwala. ’Yun lang ang aking sinigurado,” he added.

(You know, trust is very important in this process. Trust is the most important thing here, to have. Because if you don’t have trust, how will people speak? The trust isn’t whole. That’s the only thing I made sure of.)

He said the service commander is also not among the 12 cops who are accused of being involved in the case. The  National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) has found probable cause to file an administrative case against these cops.

Remulla said he will compare notes with NAPOLCOM vice chairperson and executive officer Atty. Rafael Calinisan regarding the direction of the investigation.

Aside from this, he said he will also talk to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. this week regarding the case.

In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA 2025), Marcos said the entire government is doing everything to solve the case of missing sabungeros, noting that even those with influence, who are allegedly involved in the crime, will never be above the law. 

Meanwhile, Remulla said that the search and retrieval operation at the Taal Lake has also resumed after it was temporarily suspended due to inclement weather. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News