The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday revealed that a new civilian witness has surfaced in the case of the missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts), expected to support the testimony of Alyas “Totoy”—identified as Julie “Dondon” Patidongan.
In a chance interview with reporters, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the new witness has not yet been introduced to the media.“You will know very soon that there is a new witness… It is very important because it bolsters the credibility of ‘Totoy.’ Investigators previously had difficulty identifying someone crucial to the case—this witness is that person,” Remulla said in Filipino.
Remulla added that the new witness offers not only testimonial evidence but also possesses concrete proof relevant to the investigation. He also disclosed that a service commander was relieved from his post due to a loss of trust during the investigation.“His behavior wasn’t conducive to a good resolution of the case. Trust is very important in this process,” he said, clarifying that the officer was not among the 12 police personnel previously linked to the case.
Meanwhile, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) has found probable cause to file administrative charges against 12 police officers accused of involvement in the abduction of the sabungeros. The finding was also based on Patidongan’s sworn statement.
Napolcom’s Inspection, Monitoring, and Investigation Service (IMIS) Staff Service Chief Edman Pares said the 12 officers include three ranking officials and nine non-commissioned personnel. The commissioned officers are:
- Police Col. Jacinto Rodriguez Malinao Jr.
- Police Lt. Col. Ryan Jay Eliab Orapa
- Police Maj. Mark Philip Simborio Almedilla
They were charged with grave misconduct, grave neglect of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
The nine non-commissioned officers, charged with grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer, are:
- Police Executive Master Sgt. Aaron Ezrah Lahagit Cabillan
- Police Chief Master Sgt. Arturo Opalla Dela Cruz Jr.
- Police Staff Master Sgt. Joey Natanauan Encarnacion
- Police Staff Master Sgt. Mark Anthony Aguilo Manrique
- Police Staff Master Sgt. Anderson Orozco Abary
- Police Staff Sgt. Alfredo Uy Andes
- Police Staff Sgt. Edmon Hernandez Muñoz
- Police Staff Sgt. Renan Lagrosa Fulgencio
- Police Cpl. Angel Joseph Ferro Martin
Pares said the administrative case will now proceed, and the officers may face dismissal from service. Remulla also said that search and retrieval operations at Taal Lake have resumed, although no bones have been found so far. The operations were earlier suspended due to heavy m
