The Department of Justice (DOJ) admitted e-sabong whistleblowers Ellakim and Julie Patidongan as state witnesses under the Witness Protection Program (WPP) in relation to the case of missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts).
In a press briefing on Thursday, Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon explained the dismissal of the charges against them since they were admitted into the program.
“Julie Patidongan and Ellakim Patidongan were initially charged also as respondents in this case, but their testimonies were evaluated, and they were admitted into the program. Now, as a consequence to their admission into the program, that would mean they would have to be dropped in the information, their names will no longer be included, and that is the reason for the dismissal,” he told justice reporters.
Fadullon clarified, however, that the pending case before the court is a different matter.
In a 120-page joint resolution, the DOJ panel of prosecutors recommended the dismissal of the criminal charges filed against the Patidongans.
The resolution resolves the 7 complaints filed by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit 4A (CIDG RFU 4A) and several private complainants.
Aside from gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang and several police officers, the Patidongan brothers were also named respondents for violation of Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act of 2012, violation of New Philippine Passport Act, violation of Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act in relation to Article 210 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), violation of PD 1829, as well as other violations of the RPC.
Julie, earlier known as “Alyas Totoy”, began working for Ang in 1999, feeding fighting cocks for the panabong until becoming a close-in security guard for jueteng in 2013.
For his part, Ellakim was hired by his brother to work as close-in security and staff for Ang in 2021 in a gamefarm in Lipa City, Batangas. He also claimed personal knowledge of the events concerning the disappearance of several sabungeros.
Meanwhile, the panel of prosecutors also dismissed the complaints filed against actress Gretchen Barretto and other members of the so-called Pitmaster Alpha Group, citing “speculative and uncorroborated” evidence against them.
On Tuesday, the DOJ announced its resolution finding prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction against Ang and 25 other respondents.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Patidongan brothers declared state witnesses”
