The mystery behind the disappearance of over 100 sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) has taken a darker turn, as whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, alias “Totoy,” dropped explosive claims that several police officers were on the payroll of businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang — including a colonel who allegedly received P2 million monthly.

In a television interview, Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as alias “Totoy,” claimed he has access to petty cash vouchers that serve as proof of these transactions, describing them as “like receipts” for intelligence funds. One voucher, he said, indicated a P2.6 million payout labeled as “intel.”

Patidongan, formerly Ang’s farm caretaker and later his chief of security, is one of six individuals facing charges in connection with the case. However, he has expressed his intent to become a state witness, offering to testify against the others — including the alleged involvement of police officers.

‘They never came back’

According to Patidongan, the modus operandi targeted sabungeros who were allegedly cheating by placing bets on opposing fighting cocks, believing their own weren’t in top condition. Once caught, these individuals were abducted from cockpit arenas, transported to unknown locations, and never seen again.

He claimed the victims were killed, and their bodies dumped into Taal Lake, weighed down with sand to prevent them from resurfacing.

Aside from the payola, Patidongan insisted that the same police officers were directly involved in the abductions and killings.

Napolcom steps in

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) is now calling on Patidongan to formally submit a complaint affidavit to support his allegations.

“I have urged him to file his complaint-affidavit with Napolcom so we can pursue cases against erring cops,” said Napolcom Vice Chair and Executive Officer Atty. Rafael Calinisan in an interview with the DAILY TRIBUNE.

Calinisan explained that an administrative case filed directly with Napolcom would move faster, since it’s not appealable and falls under their direct jurisdiction.

“We are the police of the police. We cannot not investigate,” he said.

He added that the Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service (IMIS) had been directed to open a motu proprio investigation into the police officers allegedly involved. Those identified will be summoned to face administrative proceedings that may lead to suspension, demotion, or dismissal.

“If proven guilty, we will not hesitate to remove them from the service,” Calinisan stressed.

DoJ tightens the noose

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla also confirmed that 15 police officers believed to have been involved in the abductions and executions have been placed under restricted duty while investigations are ongoing.

Meanwhile, businessman Atong Ang has denied all accusations, claiming that Patidongan is attempting to extort P300 million from him. Ang has yet to respond further to the allegations surrounding the vouchers and the killings.

The fight for justice continues

The case has drawn widespread public outrage, with families of the missing sabungeros still demanding justice more than two years after the first disappearances were reported. The victims, mostly breadwinners and fathers, were last seen entering cockpits — and never came home.

With testimony now directly implicating members of law enforcement and insiders within Ang’s operations, the case could become one of the biggest police accountability scandals in recent years.