🔴 Patidongan Names Police Officers, Gambling Tycoon, and Actress in Shocking Missing Sabungeros Case

1. The Explosive Testimony: A Whistleblower Steps Forward

Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as “Totoy,” a former security head in e-sabong operations, has officially stepped forward as a key witness in the still-unsolved disappearance of over 30 sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) in the Philippines. In a detailed affidavit, Patidongan dropped names that shook both law enforcement and public perception—including 15 police officers, gambling operator Charlie “Atong” Ang, and actress Gretchen Barretto.

His testimony marks a major escalation in a case that had been stagnant for months. Authorities, previously tight-lipped about leads, are now under intense pressure to act on these allegations, especially as the families of the victims await answers—and justice.

2. The Alleged Involvement of Police Personnel

According to Patidongan’s statement, multiple Philippine National Police (PNP) officers were not only aware of the disappearances but were allegedly active participants. The whistleblower claimed:

Several officers received monthly payouts as high as ₱2 million to assist in the abduction of sabungeros suspected of rigging online fights.
These officers were part of coordinated operations that involved kidnapping victims from cockfight arenas and transporting them to undisclosed locations.
Some were allegedly responsible for the disposal of bodies, including weighing down victims in sacks thrown into Taal Lake.

He identified 15 police officers by name, including a Lieutenant Colonel, members of support units, and police deployed from multiple regional offices.

3. Atong Ang and Gretchen Barretto: Accused as Central Figures

The most explosive part of the affidavit centers on businessman Atong Ang, who Patidongan claims masterminded the operations:

Patidongan stated that Ang ordered the elimination of sabungeros involved in fraudulent matches and directed payments to police contacts.
He alleged that meetings were held at private locations where plans were laid out and “targets” were discussed.

Actress Gretchen Barretto is accused of being present during strategic meetings and fully aware of operations. While Patidongan did not state she participated in abductions, he claimed she was “informed, involved, and supportive.”

4. Evidence, Affidavits, and Witness Protection

Patidongan’s affidavit is supported by:

Petty cash vouchers, transaction records, and handwritten notes indicating payment schedules to police personnel.
His direct participation in security operations, which he says gave him firsthand insight into the abductions.
He is currently under protective custody, and the PNP has confirmed he is applying for entry into the Witness Protection Program (WPP).

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) is preparing administrative hearings against the officers named in the testimony.

5. Taal Lake: A Crime Scene Reopened

In recent weeks, authorities intensified their search efforts in Taal Lake based on Patidongan’s claims:

Divers recovered sacks filled with rocks and suspected human remains.
One fishpond property in Talisay, Batangas, allegedly linked to a police officer, is now a focus of investigation.
Underwater drones and forensic teams were deployed to locate any remaining bodies or evidence tied to the missing sabungeros.

Forensic analysis is ongoing to determine whether the remains match DNA from any of the families who reported their loved ones missing.

6. Public Reaction: Outrage and Pressure

The public’s response to Patidongan’s revelations has been swift and emotional:

Families of missing sabungeros held vigils and rallies in support of the investigation, demanding transparency.
Human rights groups called for the immediate suspension of officers named, and potential criminal charges for Ang and Barretto.
Netizens expressed outrage at what they view as “state-enabled kidnapping,” with high-profile figures allegedly protected for too long.

Pressure is now on government institutions to show they are not complicit, negligent, or afraid to prosecute high-profile individuals.

7. What’s Next: Legal and Administrative Path Forward

Legal Front
Next Action

PNP Internal Affairs
Launch formal investigation into 15 officers based on affidavit evidence

NAPOLCOM
Prepare administrative cases—suspension, dismissal, or revocation of ranks

DOJ
Review charges for kidnapping, conspiracy, murder, and obstruction

Witness Protection
Finalize entry of Patidongan into WPP for his safety and credibility

If proven true, the testimonies could lead to the biggest internal purge in PNP history, and criminal cases filed against both private and public figures.

8. The Larger Picture: Why This Case Matters

This case is not just about gambling or missing persons—it’s about accountability in a system long accused of protecting power over people. Atong Ang and Gretchen Barretto are public personalities with deep industry ties, and the involvement of law enforcement threatens to erode what little public trust remains in police institutions.

The Philippine government, already under scrutiny for human rights concerns, now faces a defining test: Will it protect whistleblowers and deliver justice—or bury the truth to protect the elite?

Conclusion: A Moment of Reckoning

Julie Patidongan’s affidavit is more than a complaint—it’s a daring move to break silence in a culture where impunity often reigns. If institutions take his testimony seriously, the case of the missing sabungeros could become a historic moment of reckoning for the Philippines.
Will justice be served—or will influence, again, silence the truth?

Related Topics for Further Reading

Deep dive: The timeline of the missing sabungeros case
Witness protection in the Philippines: Strengths and gaps
The rise and fall of e-sabong: A billion-peso industry gone rogue
Police accountability in high-profile cases: Lessons from the past