Justice Secretary Says Drug War Figures Behind Sabungeros’ Abduction, Killings

Manila, Philippines — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has disclosed that some individuals suspected in the disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros, were also involved in the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

“There was a convergence with the drug war. There was an intersection with the drug war here,” Remulla said in a recent media interview.

According to Remulla, the operations of many of the suspects overlapped with those who were active in the government’s anti-narcotics campaign.

“They were involved in the drug war and they were also involved in the silencing of these people,” he said.

When asked for clarification, the justice secretary stated plainly: “They are the suspects… the suspects are the ones who are carrying out the killings.”

Witness Credibility Defended

Remulla also defended key witness Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as “Totoy,” amid questions surrounding the credibility of his testimony in the abduction and killing of the missing sabungeros.

“He’s very credible,” Remulla emphasized. “So far, I don’t see anything invented in his narration. He’s been very consistent with what he’s been telling us and with what he has said publicly.”

The justice secretary maintained that despite the absence of the victims’ remains, particularly in suspected burial sites such as Taal Lake, the cases against the suspects remain strong.

Businessman, Actress Named

Earlier, Patidongan named businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang as the alleged mastermind behind the disappearance of the sabungeros. He also claimed that actress Gretchen Barretto supported eliminating cockfighters who had been caught cheating.

Both Ang and Barretto have denied the allegations. Ang has also filed a complaint against Patidongan with the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office.

The Department of Justice continues its investigation into the case, which has gained national attention due to its high-profile connections and unresolved circumstances.