2025-08-02T16:07:30Z

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Imagine a world where the thrill of online cockfighting turns into a real-life horror story. In a chilling twist, a key witness has come forward, claiming he witnessed the brutal killing of ten cockfighting enthusiasts, known as 'sabungeros.' Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed this shocking development as the investigation into their mysterious disappearance takes a darker turn.

On August 1, 2025, the families of the missing sabungeros took a bold step by filing a murder complaint and serious illegal detention case against Charlie 'Atong' Ang at the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Manila. Ryan Bautista, the brother of one of the victims, Michael Bautista, provided harrowing details, recalling that two men were seen photographing his brother handcuffed before he vanished without a trace.

The key witness, Elakim Patidongan, now under police protection, is expected to be pivotal in the prosecution against those suspected of orchestrating the disappearances. Patidongan, who is the brother of whistleblower Julie Patidongan, has provided a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a criminal syndicate allegedly led by businessman Charlie Ang.

Remulla emphasized the significance of Patidongan's testimony, stating, “His help is extremely important to us. It’s very rare for us to have a highly placed witness — someone embedded within a criminal organization. This is truly uncommon.” Patidongan’s claims are not just based on hearsay; they are backed by digital forensic evidence linked to an ATM withdrawal made using the account of one of the missing sabungeros.

Moreover, Remulla described Patidongan’s statements as “foolproof in many ways,” as he was not just an observer but an eyewitness to the brutal murders. “He saw 10 people being killed. He was an actual witness to the murders,” Remulla asserted, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

Significantly, this testimony has already been included in the families' complaint, marking a potentially historic moment in the Philippine legal system. Remulla declared, “This is one of those very rare moments when someone embedded in a criminal group comes forward. The Philippine justice system is on trial here, and we must prove that we are capable of seeking justice, no matter how powerful or well-connected the suspects may be.”

However, the investigation is complex, involving intricate forensic work, which Remulla insists cannot be rushed. He responded to accusations of delays, stating that thoroughness is essential to ensure that all evidence is valid and that due process is followed. “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law,” he added.

Addressing the ongoing scrutiny of the Patidongans, Remulla dismissed claims suggesting they are the masterminds behind the grisly acts. “It’s natural for them to cook up stories,” he quipped, implying that the defense is attempting to distract from the core issues at hand.

Despite early reports from the Philippine National Police (PNP) indicating that no usable DNA could be recovered from bone fragments found in Taal Lake, Remulla cautioned against jumping to conclusions. “Not yet. It’s too early to say something like that,” he stated, reinforcing the need for careful scientific and forensic analysis.

Since the underwater search began on July 10, following Julie Patidongan's alarming claims that the missing sabungeros were executed and dumped into the lake, dive teams have uncovered at least 91 bone fragments from the lakebed. The investigation continues as a murder complaint has been formally lodged against businessman Ang and members of the so-called 'Alpha Group,' alongside certain individuals within the PNP.