New Witness, Police Commander Sacked in Probe of Missing Sabungero — DOJ

Manila, Philippines - Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has confirmed the emergence of a new civilian witness in the ongoing investigation into the case of the missing "sabungeros" (cockfighting enthusiasts), bringing fresh momentum to one of the country’s most controversial unresolved cases.

In a press briefing Tuesday, Remulla said the new witness not only corroborates the testimony of whistleblower Julie Patidongan, alias "Totoy," but also provides physical evidence that had not yet surfaced in previous investigations.

“We have a new witness coming out. It bolsters the credibility of ‘Totoy.’ There was someone investigators struggled to identify before — this is the person,” Remulla said. “And it’s not just testimonial evidence. This time, we have physical proof backing the claims. This is new and hasn’t been in the media.”

As the investigation advances, Remulla also disclosed that he requested Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre to relieve a police service commander involved in the case, citing conduct that could compromise the integrity of the probe.

“The actions of that commander were not suitable for a proper resolution of the case. I had my doubts, and this is a very important witness. That’s why I made the call,” Remulla explained.

The commander has since been removed from the investigative team, a move Remulla said was necessary to restore confidence in the process. “In sensitive cases like this, trust is everything. Without it, how will people feel safe enough to come forward?” he added.

Meanwhile, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) has formally filed administrative charges against 12 police officers allegedly involved in the disappearance of the cockfighting players. The charges include grave misconduct, irregularities in the performance of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

Edman Pares, Director of the Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service (IMIS), confirmed that the charges were based primarily on the affidavit submitted by Patidongan, along with other documents that will be included in the formal complaint.

In addition, a Police Colonel and a Police Lieutenant Colonel face separate charges of grave misconduct, grave neglect of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer. If found guilty, they may be suspended, demoted, or dismissed from service — including the forfeiture of all benefits.

In a separate disclosure, Napolcom Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan revealed that an operator of an online cockfighting ring attempted to influence the investigation by contacting him for help — a request Calinisan said he immediately rejected.

The case of the missing sabungeros, which has haunted the country for years, now appears to be gaining renewed traction — with new evidence, new witnesses, and fresh accountability measures against those potentially involved.