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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOJ has new witness in 'sabungeros' case – SOJ Remulla

DOJ has new witness in 'sabungeros' case – SOJ Remulla

Published Jul 29, 2025 03:34 pm
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the Department of Justice (DOJ) now has “a very important witness” in the case of missing “sabungeros,” cockfight enthusiasts.
During an interview with journalists on Tuesday, July 29, Remulla said the DOJ secured the witness after the relief of a police “service commander” from the investigation of the case.
Both the witness and the relieved police officer were not named by Remulla.
He said the new witness bolsters the credibility of whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, an accused in the case who claims that the missing “sabungeros” were killed for cheating and that some of the bodies were dumped into the Taal Lake in Batangas.
“This new witness knows a lot,” he also said.
He added that the new witness offered not only testimonial evidence but also “real evidence.”
Remulla clarified that the relieved police officer was not involved in the “sabungeros” case. He said the relief was allowed by Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III to enhance the investigation of the case.
Initial reports stated there were 34 missing “sabungeros.” But Patidongan said there were about 100 of them killed.
Several suspects have cropped up but all of them have denied involvement in the case.
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