DOJ has new witness in missing ‘sabungeros’ probe

By Benjamin Pulta, Philippine News Agency

FILE: QUEST FOR JUSTICE. Families of missing ‘sabungeros’ (cockfight enthusiasts) call for justice for their loved ones during a press conference at the University Hotel of the University of the Philippines-Diliman in Quezon City Monday (July 14, 2025). (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

MANILA – A new witness in the missing “sabungeros” (cockfight afficionados) case has been secured by investigators, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Tuesday.

“Mayroon kaming bagong testigo na lalabas. It bolsters the credibility of Totoy (whistleblower Julie Patidongan).

May naging problema dati ang investigators to identify somebody, iyong somebody na ina-identify ito iyon (We have a new witness. It bolsters the credibility of Totoy. Investigators had problems identifying somebody, and that somebody is this guy),” Remulla said in an interview with reporters.

“Hindi lang ito testimonial evidence, mayroon ditong totoong ebidensiya na bukod sa kwento, mayroon itong sariling ebidensiya na kasama. Medyo bago, hindi pa lumalabas sa media… sibilyan (He will be providing not just testimonial evidence but real evidence aside from hearsay that has not been heard before. It’s new, it’s not known to media… [the witness is a] civilian).”

Meanwhile, Remulla said he has asked Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III to relieve one of the commanders taking part in the investigation.

Remulla declined to name the police official but said he was uncomfortable with the official’s behavior in the course of the investigation.

“Abangan lang kasi nga nilalapat pa namin lahat. Kaya nga sinabi ko noon na makikiusap ako kay General Torre na i-relieve iyong isang service commander at nangyari naman kaya ngayon malinaw na ang aming landas patungo sa paglutas ng problemang ito (Just wait for it as we are still preparing everything. I have asked General Torre to relieve one of the service commanders, so now the path to solving the problem is clearer).”

“Parang hindi angkop ang kaniyang kilos sa magandang pagresolve ng kaso. Ayaw ko kasi nag-aalangan ako, ito kasi very important witness ito (His movements are not appropriate in the resolution of the case. I just don’t want to be uncomfortable).

”

Meanwhile, Remulla said the operations to recover human remains in Taal Lake has resumed a week after bad weather suspended the search.