The investigation into the disappearance of over a hundred cockfight enthusiasts, or “sabungeros,” from 2021 to 2022 continued as government agencies mobilized resources for an underwater search of Taal Lake, believed to be the burial site of the victims.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday said whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, alias “Totoy,” had not implicated any of its agents in the case.
“In one program, Totoy said he wasn’t claiming that the NBI was involved,” NBI Director Jaime Santiago told reporters. “If he doesn’t know the names, he can request a lineup. But he admitted he never actually said anyone from the NBI was involved.”
Santiago said he had challenged Patidongan to name anyone from the agency with links to the crime. The whistleblower’s clarification was taken by many as a vindication of the NBI.
“I don’t want to break the people’s trust in us. The NBI is an institution that the public relies on,” Santiago added.
He reiterated that the NBI is prepared to support the case, saying its forensic expertise could prove vital. “DNA, lie detection, whatever assistance they want from us, we will provide,” he said.
Patidongan said the victims’ bodies were dumped in Taal Lake. He accused gambling tycoon Atong Ang of masterminding the killings and linked actress Gretchen Barretto to them.
Navy offers help
Both have denied the accusation, with Ang claiming Patidongan attempted to extort P300 million for him in exchange for his silence, and Barretto saying that she had received threats.
On Tuesday, the Philippine Navy said it was ready to assist in the search for the sabungeros’ remains.
“We are still waiting for the official request from the Department of Justice,” Navy spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos told reporters. “The Naval Special Operations Command is an elite unit. They can be dispatched anytime, anywhere.”
Navy Seal technical diving teams, usually composed of four Seals and four technical divers, could be deployed depending on the site assessment. Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Navy’s inspector general, said underwater drones or remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) could also be used.
“There are numerous ways to recover or look for targets underwater,” Trinidad said. “We could send underwater drones to check the safety, water conditions, and what might be encountered below.”
Search is on
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed the Department of Justice was preparing to start the search within the week. He said investigators are focused on an area in Taal Lake where one of the suspects reportedly holds a lease for a fishpond.
“There is a suspect who holds a lease for a fishpond in the area. That is currently our ground zero,” Remulla said.
He also confirmed the government has sought technical assistance from Japan and has accepted offers of help from the Department of Science and Technology, which has equipment and expertise for underwater searches.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has launched an investigation into a former judge, now a top official of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, whom Patidongan named as an alleged fixer for Ang.
Remulla said he spoke with a Supreme Court justice who confirmed that the Court is taking the lead in probing the former magistrate’s alleged role in shielding Ang through legal maneuverings.
“The Supreme Court is the best ally we have for this,” Remulla said. “They are very sensitive about what should be done to improve our justice system.”
He said Patidongan has issued a sworn statement, while discussions were ongoing on admitting him as a state witness.