Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed Tuesday that authorities are set to present a new civilian witness in the case of the missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts), saying it would strengthen the credibility of whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as “Totoy.”

“This is very important. It bolsters Totoy’s credibility,” Remulla told reporters in an ambush interview. “It’s not just testimonial evidence. There is actual proof aside from the story.”

Patidongan, one of the original suspects in the case, turned state witness and claimed that more than 100 sabungeros were abducted, murdered, and dumped into Taal Lake by a group that allegedly included uniformed personnel.

The DOJ said the new witness — a civilian whose name has not yet been made public — has never appeared in previous media coverage of the case.

Remulla also disclosed that a Philippine National Police (PNP) service commander had been relieved from involvement in the investigation following his request to PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III.

“I asked General Torre to relieve a service commander, and it was granted. That’s why our path to resolving this case is clearer now," Remulla said.

He clarified that the relief was not due to the officer’s involvement in the disappearances but stemmed from trust issues.

“There was something about his actions that I didn’t like,” Remulla said. “In cases like this, trust is everything. Without it, how can people come forward and speak?”

The relieved officer is not among the 12 police personnel previously linked to the case. The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has already found probable cause to file administrative charges against those 12.

Remulla said he plans to coordinate with Napolcom Vice Chair and Executive Officer Atty. Rafael Calinisan to align investigative efforts. He also confirmed that he will meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. this week to brief him further on the developments.

On Monday in his State of the Nation Address, Marcos assured the public that the government is doing everything it can to bring justice to the victims and hold all perpetrators accountable, regardless of their status or connections.

Remulla confirmed that search and retrieval operations at Taal Lake have resumed after being temporarily suspended due to bad weather.