The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
After years of unanswered questions, the mystery surrounding the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts—or *sabungeros*—may be closer to a breakthrough.
Two suspects believed to hold critical information on the case are now under the custody of the Philippine National Police (PNP), following their arrest in a Southeast Asian country and their return to the Philippines on July 22, police officials confirmed Thursday.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo identified the suspects as brothers Elakim and Jose Patidongan—siblings of whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, alias “Totoy.”
“We believe they are the missing link in the case of the missing sabungeros,” Fajardo said, noting their potential role in connecting the dots in the long-running investigation.
Elakim was found to be using a fake identity—“Robert Baylon”—on his passport, while Jose was earlier convicted of robbery by the Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court. Both were nabbed under a CIDG-led operation coordinated with the Bureau of Immigration, based on an approved case operational plan.
According to Fajardo, Elakim was allegedly caught using the ATM card of missing sabungero Melbert John Santos, who vanished in Sta. Cruz, Laguna in January 2022. Jose, meanwhile, appeared in a 2021 video escorting another victim, Michael Bautista, who was seen handcuffed.
The CIDG acted quietly on intelligence received last June regarding the siblings’ whereabouts abroad. “There was no media noise. We kept it quiet because we knew how crucial this arrest was,” Fajardo said.
Authorities said both suspects may have exited the country through unauthorized routes, further raising suspicions. The Bureau of Immigration is currently verifying their travel history.
Despite criticisms over their detention, Fajardo defended the CIDG’s decision to file cases against the brothers. “It was a legal strategy. Without filing charges, we could be accused of arbitrary detention,” she explained.
The suspects have reportedly expressed willingness to cooperate with authorities, raising the possibility of them becoming state witnesses—pending formal legal procedures.
Meanwhile, efforts to identify possible victims have hit a snag. DNA testing on bone fragments recovered from Taal Lake yielded no usable profiles due to contamination. A total of 91 bone pieces were retrieved earlier this month, but none could be definitively matched to the missing individuals.
Fajardo emphasized that while forensic evidence remains inconclusive, the testimony of the Patidongan brothers could be pivotal. “Their statements might finally give families the answers they’ve waited so long for,” she said.