As the search for the bodies of the missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) continues, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PGen. Nicolas Torre III said they are investigating other possible areas of disposal apart from the Taal Lake.
Earlier, Julie Patidongan, formerly identified by the alias “Totoy,” claimed that the remains of the missing sabungeros were tied with sandbags and disposed of in Taal Lake between 2021 and 2022.
On Monday, July 7, RH Edniel Parrosa reported that the PNP is planning to look into other areas of disposal. According to Torre, they are considering exploring other locations that may also be linked to where the victims' bodies were buried.
“Hindi lang sa Taal [Lake] ang disposal. Pati ang ibang mga lugar na ‘yon ay titingnan din natin,” Torre explained.
In a press conference at Camp Crame, Torre explained that before Patidongan publicly came forward, he had already approached the PNP to confess what he knew about the missing sabungeros. In fact, the report stated that it was Patidongan himself who was shocked by what he described as a heinous crime.
“Now that you are asking, yes, we are looking into other places na posibleng disposal area nito,” Torre said in response to reporters.
The PNP is also investigating whether the remains of the 34 missing sabungeros were burned.
In a separate report, Parrosa mentioned that Torre confirmed that Patidongan is now under protective custody. However, the PNP Chief said it is only temporary, as the suspect-turned-whistleblower’s application for the witness protection program is still pending.
In an interview on DZRH Stories: Pinoy Documentaries on Sunday, July 6, one of the victims’ relatives, Aurelio Panaligan, said the PNP - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) had already discussed the latest updates and status of the missing sabungeros case.
He said that he, along with the victims' relatives, believes that there is truth to what Patidongan is saying about the case. However, when it comes to legal processes, he emphasized the importance of evidence, adding that it is not enough for Patidongan to only speak up on the matter.
“Sa amin po, hindi lang [kami] naghahanap ng hustisya at katarungan, kami po ay naniniwala na may katotohanan at totoo po ang kanyang [Patidongan] sinasabi. Kaya lang po pagdating sa batas, pag dating sa proseso, hindi ho sapat ang basehan na magsalita ka lang kung wala kang ebidensya,” Panaligan explained.
