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Advocates Philippines
New Witness Emerges In 'Missing Sabungeros' Case; Offers Fresh Evidence - Remulla
Photo credit: DOJ
A new witness has come forward in the long-running investigation into the disappearance of several “sabungeros” or cockfighting enthusiasts, according to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla. The development, he said, strengthens the credibility of earlier testimony and could provide a much-needed breakthrough in the controversial case.
“We have a new witness. It bolsters the credibility of Totoy (Julie Patidongan),” Remulla told reporters on Tuesday. Patidongan previously served as a whistleblower in the case. “Investigators had difficulty identifying a certain individual, and this witness happens to be that person.”
But beyond mere testimony, Remulla underscored that the new witness is bringing something more concrete to the table: tangible evidence.
“This is not just testimonial evidence,” he said. “There is real, supporting evidence that comes with his account—something new and previously unknown even to the media. He is a civilian, and his input could be key to moving the case forward.”
While Remulla did not go into detail about the nature of the evidence, his remarks suggest that the investigation may be entering a more decisive phase.
In a related development, the justice secretary confirmed that he had asked Philippine National Police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III to relieve one of the service commanders involved in the case. He declined to name the official, but cited discomfort with the officer’s conduct during the investigation.
“His actions didn’t seem aligned with the proper resolution of the case,” Remulla explained. “This is a very important witness, and I didn’t want any hesitations or irregularities to get in the way.”
With the personnel change now implemented, Remulla expressed optimism that the investigation is on a clearer path.
“Just wait and see,” he said. “We’re putting all the pieces together.”
Meanwhile, efforts to recover possible human remains in Taal Lake—believed to be connected to the missing sabungeros—have resumed. Search operations had been temporarily halted because of bad weather over the past week.
The case of the missing sabungeros, which first surfaced in early 2022, continues to grip national attention amid calls for justice and accountability. This new witness and accompanying evidence may mark a turning point in a mystery that has long haunted the families of those who vanished.
“We have a new witness. It bolsters the credibility of Totoy (Julie Patidongan),” Remulla told reporters on Tuesday. Patidongan previously served as a whistleblower in the case. “Investigators had difficulty identifying a certain individual, and this witness happens to be that person.”
But beyond mere testimony, Remulla underscored that the new witness is bringing something more concrete to the table: tangible evidence.
“This is not just testimonial evidence,” he said. “There is real, supporting evidence that comes with his account—something new and previously unknown even to the media. He is a civilian, and his input could be key to moving the case forward.”
While Remulla did not go into detail about the nature of the evidence, his remarks suggest that the investigation may be entering a more decisive phase.
In a related development, the justice secretary confirmed that he had asked Philippine National Police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III to relieve one of the service commanders involved in the case. He declined to name the official, but cited discomfort with the officer’s conduct during the investigation.
“His actions didn’t seem aligned with the proper resolution of the case,” Remulla explained. “This is a very important witness, and I didn’t want any hesitations or irregularities to get in the way.”
With the personnel change now implemented, Remulla expressed optimism that the investigation is on a clearer path.
“Just wait and see,” he said. “We’re putting all the pieces together.”
Meanwhile, efforts to recover possible human remains in Taal Lake—believed to be connected to the missing sabungeros—have resumed. Search operations had been temporarily halted because of bad weather over the past week.
The case of the missing sabungeros, which first surfaced in early 2022, continues to grip national attention amid calls for justice and accountability. This new witness and accompanying evidence may mark a turning point in a mystery that has long haunted the families of those who vanished.
Jul 29, 2025
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