MANILA — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has revealed that suspects in the case involving dozens of missing cockfighting enthusiasts—known locally as sabungeros—may also have ties to extrajudicial killings committed during the country’s controversial war on drugs.

In an interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel, Remulla said an ongoing investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) had uncovered what he described as an “intersection” between individuals behind the abductions and killings of sabungeros, and those implicated in drug war violence under the previous administration.

“Meaning to say, they (sabungeros case suspects) were involved in the drug war, they were also involved in the silencing of these people,” Remulla said. “Yung suspects sa drug war, yung mga pumapatay ng tao, maaring sila rin ang kasama rito na pumapatay din ng mga sabungero.”

He declined to provide further details while the investigation remains active.

The case has drawn widespread attention in the Philippines, with more than 100 sabungeros reportedly missing since early 2022. Authorities are now pursuing leads suggesting a complex criminal network may have orchestrated the disappearances.

Allegations of “Corporate-Style Killings”

A key suspect-turned-whistleblower, Julie Patidongan—also known as “Totoy”—has described the killings as “corporate style,” allegedly carried out by four organized factions referred to as the Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta groups. Patidongan claimed these groups were structured around financial interests in the lucrative online cockfighting, or e-sabong, industry.

According to Remulla, the groups reportedly involve businessmen and government insiders. Patidongan has accused gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang of masterminding the abductions and killings, alleging the victims were eliminated for cheating in e-sabong matches. Ang has denied the allegations, though he acknowledged that Patidongan previously worked as a farm manager under his operations.

Palace Calls for Expanded Investigation

Following these revelations, Presidential Press Officer Claire Castro said the Palace supports broadening the scope of the investigation.

“If these crimes are truly interconnected, it’s all the more reason to broaden the investigation,” Castro said during a press briefing. “We are not making any judgments yet, but the President is committed to ensuring that justice is served for the victims.”

Divers to Search Taal Lake for Victims’ Remains

Technical divers from the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard are preparing exploratory dives at Taal Lake, after Patidongan claimed it was one of the disposal sites for the victims’ bodies. DOJ Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic Clavano confirmed that remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) from Japan are being procured to assist in the search.

Clavano emphasized that a murder conviction remains legally possible even without recovering the victims’ remains. He clarified the legal concept of corpus delicti, noting that it refers to proof that a crime occurred—not necessarily the physical body of the victim.

“In Philippine criminal law, it is not absolutely necessary to find the body of the victim to prove the crime of murder,” Clavano explained. “Photos, videos, or testimonies can also prove the fact of death.”

Police Officers Under Investigation

At least 15 police officers, including a lieutenant colonel, have been placed under restrictive custody by the Philippine National Police (PNP) after being linked to the case. PNP Chief General Nicolas Torre III said authorities are open to cooperation from any officers who may turn state witness.

“Of course, that’s one of the directions they can take,” said Torre. “But even without their cooperation, we are confident this case can be resolved.”

National Police Commission Vice Chairman Rafael Vicente Calinisan said the commission has received feelers from potential witnesses, although he declined to confirm if any are active-duty officers.

“There are feelers coming from different sources — they could be civilians or police. But until we have sworn statements, these remain unverified,” Calinisan said.

Authorities believe Taal Lake may not be the only disposal site, with additional locations under investigation in Batangas and Metro Manila.

📷 Jesus Crispin Remulla