MANILA, Philippines — Two siblings of whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, alias Totoy, were picked up by authorities abroad, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced, claiming they could be the “missing link” in the case of the abduction of cockfighting enthusiasts (sabungeros).
Then-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz received a tip last June 23 that the two siblings were seeking refuge in a country in Southeast Asia, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said in a press briefing on Wednesday.
Fajardo declined to disclose which country they were found in, only saying it was a “Southeast Asian country.”
The CIDG brought the siblings — identified as Jose and Elakim Patidongan — back to the Philippines on July 22, Fajardo noted.
“We believe they are the missing link in the case of the missing sabungeros,” she said.
Police believe Jose Patidongan was one of two men caught on video hustling victim Michael Bautista away in handcuffs in Santa Cruz, Laguna, on April 28, 2021, according to Fajardo.
Meanwhile, Elakim Patidongan was believed to be the individual who withdrew money from the bank account of Melbert Santos, who was last seen alive—also in Santa Cruz—on January 13, 2022, the PNP spokesperson said.
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