‘Net tightens’ around Atong

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed Monday that a key witness in the long-running investigation into the disappearance of cockfight enthusiasts — or sabungeros — had hidden in Cambodia with the help of gambling tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang.

“Atong Ang deliberately hid him. He had him flee, even (gave him) a fake passport so he could leave,” Remulla said, referring to Elakim Patidongan, a brother of whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as “Totoy.”

According to Remulla, Elakim is back in the Philippines and is cooperating with authorities — a major breakthrough in the high-profile case that rocked the country’s once-thriving but now banned e-sabong industry.

“Elakim’s testimony is one of the most significant developments so far,” Remulla said, explaining that investigators believe the Patidongan brothers hold critical information about the fate of the missing sabungeros from Sta. Cruz, Laguna and Lipa City, Batangas.

Earlier, the DoJ chief said Elakim witnessed the killing of at least 10 victims, calling his account the “missing factor” that helps make the government’s theory “very credible”—especially after human remains were discovered in Taal Lake.

While Elakim’s sworn statement strengthens the case, Remulla noted that another witness is also being prepared to testify, signaling that more revelations may soon come to light.

Last week, the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed that two of Totoy’s siblings—Elakim and Jose Patidongan—had been arrested and were considered key figures in the ongoing investigation. Both have submitted affidavits detailing what they know.

According to police, the brothers were arrested abroad and flown back to the Philippines on 22 July. Reports said Elakim was caught using the ATM card of Melbert John Santos, one of the sabungeros who went missing in Laguna. Meanwhile, Jose was reportedly seen in a video escorting a handcuffed victim, Michael Bautista.

Service commander axed

Remulla also disclosed that he had met with PNP Chief Police General Nicolas Torre III and requested the relief of a service commander involved in the case. While the officer is not among the 12 police personnel accused of direct involvement in the abductions, Remulla said he could no longer trust the officer.

“He did something that I didn’t like,” Remulla said, without going into detail. “Trust is crucial in this process. If people sense there’s someone they can’t trust, they won’t speak up.”

He emphasized that the decision was based on the need for full transparency and confidence in the probe—not on any allegation of wrongdoing by the relieved officer.

Napolcom suspends 12 cops

Meanwhile, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Monday placed under preventive suspension 12 police officers implicated in the disappearance of possibly up to more than 100 sabungeros.

In a press conference, Vice Chair and Executive Officer Rafael Calinisan said the Napolcom en banc unanimously approved the request of whistleblower Julie Patidongan’s camp to suspend the officers while the case is being investigated.

“This is not a penalty—a preventive suspension is not a punishment,” Calinisan clarified in Filipino. “It is a necessary action to ensure a fair and unhampered investigation.”

Suspended were Col. Jacinto Malinao Jr. of the PNP Headquarters Support Service, Lt. Col. Ryan Jay Orapa, Maj. Mark Philip Almedilla, and nine non-commissioned officers: Police Executive Master Sgt. Aaron Cabillan, Chief Master Sgt. Arturo de la Cruz Jr., Senior Master Sgts. Joey Encarnacion, Mark Anthony Manrique, and Anderson Abary, Staff Sgts. Alfredo Andes and Edmon Muñoz, Cpl. Angel Joseph Martin, and Staff Sgt. Renan Fulgencio.

The officers were formally summoned on 1 August and given seven days to respond to the administrative charges of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming a police officer. A pre-hearing conference is set for 14 August.

“The decision will follow after thorough deliberations. We are committed to ensuring a fair and impartial investigation,” Calinisan said. “We will give both sides—those accused and the complainant—the due process they deserve, and provide answers to the Filipino people.”

Patidongan, a key witness in the high-profile case, filed the complaint last week, accusing the officers of direct involvement in the disappearance of the cockfight enthusiasts—many of whom have been missing since 2021.

“These are serious offenses,” Calinisan said. “If found guilty, the harshest penalty they could face is dismissal from the service, with forfeiture of all benefits.”