Patidongan’s alleged threats to TV reporter spark outrage; probe sought

The alleged serious threats made by Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, the self-proclaimed whistleblower in the missing sabungero case, against a TV news reporter have gone viral, prompting newsmen Thursday to call on authorities to probe the incident immediately.

A recorded phone conversation between Patidongan and ABC-5 correspondent Gary De Leon has circulated on social media, where Patidongan allegedly threatened the reporter and accused him of being “biased and paid.”

“Hearing Patidongan make those threats against a fellow reporter gave me goosebumps. This matter is serious and is an affront to our constitutionally guaranteed rights as mediamen,” a print reporter who refused to be identified said after watching the viral clip.

Records showed that the incident happened on October 27, 2025, when De Leon reached out to Patidongan and his lawyers for an interview. However, no interview pushed through, as Patidongan instead hurled accusations and, according to published reports, issued threatening remarks.

Since the incident was made public, Patidongan has yet to air his side, while De Leon and his network have already released statements.

Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, chairperson of the House Committee on Public Accounts, condemned the incident and vowed to investigate it.

"Congress should look into threats to journalists made by Julie Patidongan. This is an affront to press freedom, and undermines the role of the press in truth-seeking, particularly in the most difficult and complicated concerns, such as the case of the missing sabungeros," Ridon said.

Earlier, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) vowed to investigate after the matter was raised by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP). In a separate statement, the NUJP likewise condemned the alleged threats against De Leon, noting that the reporter was simply attempting to secure a follow-up interview regarding the case.

Meanwhile, a number of journalists who personally know De Leon have vouched for his integrity and expressed concern for his safety.

“Pakinggan mo ako ha. Eto lang ang masasabi ko sa’yo… Ingatan lang natin ang buhay natin. Iisa lang ang buhay ng tao. Kaya maging patas ka. Huwag mong masyadong pakialaman ang kaso ko,” another radio reporter said, quoting verbatim from the viral audio but requesting anonymity.

“If these words allegedly made by Patidongan can't be construed as threats, then what can?” the same radio reporter added.