All Officials Accountable in Alpha Group Case
MANILA, Philippines — No government official, regardless of rank, will be exempt from criminal charges linked to the abduction of cockfighting enthusiasts, also known as “sabungeros.” Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla emphasized this during a press briefing at Camp Crame.
“No sacred cows. Whether they be a mayor, a governor, or a senator, as long as they are part of that Alpha group, anyone involved with the Alpha group will be charged if the case build-up is right,” Remulla stated firmly. This declaration underscores the government’s commitment to hold everyone accountable in the Alpha group case.
When asked to clarify who exactly belongs to this Alpha group, Remulla said, “STotoy already gave a list. It’s under verification now. More or less, the DOJ knows who the Alpha group is, but you have to ask them who those are.” Authorities continue to verify the identities of those implicated.
Background of the Missing Sabungeros
Between April 2021 and January 2022, at least 34 sabungeros disappeared mysteriously. The case took a dramatic turn last June when whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, alias Totoy, publicly accused gaming magnate Charlie “Atong” Ang, his family, and members of the Pitmaster Alpha company of involvement in these abductions.
Ang denied all allegations, calling them “entirely false and without basis,” and claimed that Patidongan tried to extort PHP 300 million to avoid implication. Despite these denials, the investigation is ongoing.
Summons Issued to Police Officers
On Tuesday, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) Vice Chairperson Rafael Calinisan announced that summons had been sent to 12 active-duty police officers named in Patidongan’s complaint-affidavit. They were given five days to respond.
“Depending on their counter-affidavit, we’ll go through the normal process. DOJ is in the process of doing a case build-up. We’re with the DOJ to come up with a rational conclusion to the missing ‘sabungeros’ story,” said Remulla, who also serves as the ex-officio chairperson of Napolcom.
All 12 officers have been accounted for. These officers were among 15 police personnel placed under restrictive custody, confirmed by a top police official last July.
Forensic Findings Bring New Evidence
The Philippine National Police Forensic Group recently recovered 91 bone fragments from five sacks retrieved from Taal Lake, where authorities have been searching for the remains of the missing sabungeros. Of these fragments, six are suspected to be human bones.
Responding to this development, Remulla said, “It brings us closer to the conclusion of the story. It all ties up now, what Alias Totoy said, if those were really found.” He added, “We have videos of the abduction… Now, if a body was found, then it all ties up that it is a conspiracy, grand conspiracy amongst all of them.”
Patidongan alleges the victims were killed, their bodies tied to sandbags, and dumped into Taal Lake. Authorities have conducted extensive diving operations, recovering sacks on consecutive days that were immediately turned over to forensic teams.
The investigation into this tragic saga continues as law enforcement works alongside the Department of Justice to bring the perpetrators to account. The government’s firm stance signals no tolerance for abuses of power, especially in such grave crimes.
For more news and updates on the Alpha group case, visit Filipinokami.com.
