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Advocates Philippines
Arrest Of Patidongan Brothers Key To Unraveling Missing 'Sabungeros' Case
Screengrab from PNP
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is standing firm on its decision to remove Elakim and Jose Patidongan—brothers of whistleblower Julie "Dondon" Patidongan—from their status as state witnesses and instead file charges against them due to their deeper involvement in the case of the missing "sabungeros" (cockfight enthusiasts).
According to PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Jean Fajardo, this legal move is part of a broader strategy to uncover the truth behind the high-profile disappearances. Fajardo explained during a press briefing on Thursday, July 31, that the two brothers, once considered cooperative witnesses, were found to have played more significant roles in the case than initially believed.
“This is a legal strategy,” Fajardo clarified. “Their level of participation has gone beyond that of mere witnesses. Based on the evidence we now have, it was necessary to reassess their standing.”
The breakthrough came when Elakim and Jose Patidongan—referred to by authorities as the “missing links” in the investigation—were arrested and brought back to the Philippines from a Southeast Asian country on July 22. Their return is being seen by investigators as a pivotal moment in finally shedding light on the complex and mysterious case that has gripped national attention.
Elakim was allegedly caught on surveillance withdrawing money from the ATM account of one of the missing sabungeros. His brother Jose, meanwhile, was reportedly among the escorts who picked up another victim before he went missing. Both actions, Fajardo noted, point to their active involvement in the operations that led to the disappearances.
Their brother, Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as “Totoy,” had earlier come forward as a whistleblower, providing critical information about the case. However, the new developments involving his siblings cast fresh complexity on the investigation.
With the Patidongan brothers now in custody, the PNP believes it is better positioned to finally resolve the case. Fajardo stressed that their arrest could help tie together previously fragmented leads and testimonies.
“Now that we have them back, and with the weight of new evidence, we expect a clearer and more complete picture of what really happened to the missing sabungeros,” she said.
The case remains under close scrutiny, not only due to its gruesome nature but also because of the broader implications it carries on organized crime and law enforcement integrity.
According to PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Jean Fajardo, this legal move is part of a broader strategy to uncover the truth behind the high-profile disappearances. Fajardo explained during a press briefing on Thursday, July 31, that the two brothers, once considered cooperative witnesses, were found to have played more significant roles in the case than initially believed.
“This is a legal strategy,” Fajardo clarified. “Their level of participation has gone beyond that of mere witnesses. Based on the evidence we now have, it was necessary to reassess their standing.”
The breakthrough came when Elakim and Jose Patidongan—referred to by authorities as the “missing links” in the investigation—were arrested and brought back to the Philippines from a Southeast Asian country on July 22. Their return is being seen by investigators as a pivotal moment in finally shedding light on the complex and mysterious case that has gripped national attention.
Elakim was allegedly caught on surveillance withdrawing money from the ATM account of one of the missing sabungeros. His brother Jose, meanwhile, was reportedly among the escorts who picked up another victim before he went missing. Both actions, Fajardo noted, point to their active involvement in the operations that led to the disappearances.
Their brother, Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as “Totoy,” had earlier come forward as a whistleblower, providing critical information about the case. However, the new developments involving his siblings cast fresh complexity on the investigation.
With the Patidongan brothers now in custody, the PNP believes it is better positioned to finally resolve the case. Fajardo stressed that their arrest could help tie together previously fragmented leads and testimonies.
“Now that we have them back, and with the weight of new evidence, we expect a clearer and more complete picture of what really happened to the missing sabungeros,” she said.
The case remains under close scrutiny, not only due to its gruesome nature but also because of the broader implications it carries on organized crime and law enforcement integrity.
Jul 31, 2025
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