Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has revealed that the brother of whistleblower Julie Patidongan, Elakim Patidongan, personally witnessed the killing of 10 individuals.

Elakim, now under police custody following his “arrest” in an undisclosed ASEAN country, will serve as one of the witnesses in the murder and serious illegal detention charges filed against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, several others, and actress Gretchen Barretto, whom Remulla referred to as Jane Doe.

“He also witnessed the killing. He witnessed ten people being killed,” Remulla said.

The DOJ secretary added that Julie Patidongan’s testimony served as the basis for the formal complaint filed by the victims’ families.

Remulla emphasized the rarity and significance of having a key insider testify against a criminal group.

“It’s rare for us to have a witness who is highly placed and embedded in a criminal organization. This is very rare. I think it is the first time in Philippine history that we have something like this, that we have a whistleblower on the acts of a criminal organization. And I think we should appreciate the fact that he is coming out bravely to do this. His help here is very important to us,” said Remulla.

On Ang, Remulla said he is the “main player” in e-sabong (online cockfighting) operations.

“He’s the main player in e-sabong, he is the main player there, he is the boss of Totoy or Don-don. His money is used to pay for the work done by the police contractors,” Remulla said.

The Philippine National Police confirmed that Elakim and another brother, Jose Patidongan, were arrested abroad and brought back to the Philippines on 22 July.

Elakim was allegedly caught using the ATM card of Melbert John Santos, who went missing in Laguna, while Jose was seen in a video escorting a handcuffed victim, Michael Bautista.

Remulla also met with PNP chief Police General Nicolas Torre III and expressed his gratitude for agreeing to his request to relieve a service commander from the case.

Remulla said he asked Torre to remove the officer, not for involvement in the sabungeros’ disappearance, but due to lack of trust. “He did something that I didn’t like.”

Remulla emphasized that trust is crucial in the process, as it affects the willingness of people to speak up.

He clarified that the relieved officer is not among the 12 police personnel accused of involvement in the case.

Remulla said he will coordinate with NAPOLCOM vice chairperson and executive officer Atty. Rafael Calinisan on the direction of the probe and will also brief President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the developments.