15 cops in missing ‘sabungeros’ case now under ‘restrictive’ custody

SEARCH FOR TRUTH. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III holds a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Monday (July 7, 2025). He said the 15 police officers linked to the missing “sabungeros” (cockfight aficionados) are now under restrictive custody in Camp Crame. (PNA photo by Robert Alfiler)

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III on Monday said the 15 police officers linked to the disappearance of “sabungeros” (cockfight aficionados) are now under restrictive custody at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

“We have partnered with Napolcom (National Police Commission) for the in-depth investigation of this case to ensure transparency and impartiality and to ensure the ends of justice will be achieved,” Torre said in a press briefing at Camp Crame.

Torre said the 15 police officers, including a lieutenant colonel, are being investigated for both criminal and administrative cases.

He said probe will not only focus on 15 police officers, but others, depending on the outcome of the investigation.

“As I have said earlier, hindi tayo tumitigil sa 15 [police officers]. May mga ibang personalities na naidentify (we will not stop on 15 police officers. There other personalities that will be identified) as the investigation goes on,” Torre said.

“These incidents are grisly, not acceptable by any standards and that’s why we have firm resolve to solve this.”

Torre said when he was still the chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, alias Totoy, has already started communicating with the police.

Torre, however, opted not to give details of how Patidongan approached the CIDG.

“What is important now is to give justice to the victims and to cleanse the organization of these kinds of personnel,” Torre said.

Aside from the Taal Lake where some of the missing sabungeros were supposedly dumped, Torre said they have been receiving reports that there are other modes of disposal used in getting rid of their remains.

“Based on our information, Taal is not the only place of disposal. We are looking into other places as a disposal area of the missing victims,” Torre said.

Patidongan earlier claimed that business tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang had something to do with the disappearance and killings of the sabungeros.

He also claimed that several police officers, who are under the payroll of Ang, played key roles in the disappearances of the cockfighters.

Ang denied the allegations and filed charges against Patidongan on July 3 for the latter’s supposed attempt to extort PHP300 million from him.