Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced that 15 Philippine National Police (PNP) officers allegedly involved in the abduction and possible execution of missing sabungeros (cockfight enthusiasts) have been placed on restricted duty.
“These officers are no longer in the field and are required to report to designated offices to prevent any further harm,” Remulla stated during an ambush interview.
This development follows a closed-door meeting between DOJ officials and the families of the missing individuals earlier in the day.
Remulla also confirmed that businessman Atong Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto have been named as suspects after accused Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, alias Totoy, claimed they were behind the abductions. Patidongan, said to be a former security chief at Ang’s cockfighting businesses, is now under police protection.
In response, Ang denied all allegations and accused Patidongan of extortion, claiming he was pressured to pay ₱300 million to avoid being implicated in the case. Ang’s legal team insists the allegations are false and has urged authorities to explore other possible leads.
Barretto, meanwhile, told GMA Integrated News that she would issue a statement once her legal team is ready.
Remulla assured the public that the DOJ is determined to resolve the case despite delays caused by a backlog of cases, saying, “We won’t stop until every angle has been thoroughly investigated.”