Santiago: 'Totoy' didn’t link any NBI agent to missing sabungeros case

No agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) were implicated by whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as Totoy, in connection with the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts or sabungeros from 2021 to 2022.

In a press briefing, NBI Director Jaime Santiago emphasized that Patidongan had clarified in a recent media appearance that he did not claim any NBI personnel were involved in the case.

“You know, in one program, Totoy already said that he wasn’t claiming that the NBI was involved,” Santiago said.

The NBI chief recounted that he personally asked Patidongan on Monday to name anyone from the bureau if he had knowledge of any involvement. “If he doesn’t know the name, he can request a lineup,” Santiago added. “But then, in one program, he admitted that he never actually said anyone from the NBI was involved.”

Santiago said the clarification effectively cleared the agency’s name. “I don’t want to break the people’s trust in us. The NBI is an institution that the public relies on,” he stressed.

The NBI, Santiago reiterated, remains ready to assist in the ongoing probe, saying that its expertise, particularly in forensic disciplines like DNA testing and lie detection, could be useful. He added that coordination with the Department of Justice is not necessary as the bureau is already an attached agency.

“Whatever assistance they want from us, whatever help they need, we will provide,” he said.

Patidongan previously claimed that the bodies of the 34 missing sabungeros were dumped in Taal Lake. He had also accused businessman Atong Ang of masterminding the disappearances and linked actress Gretchen Barretto to the case.

Both Ang and Barretto have denied the allegations, saying Patidongan had tried to extort them. Ang claimed Patidongan threatened to name him unless he paid P300 million, while Barretto said she received a similar threat.