In a significant development in the sabongeros case, whistleblower Julie Patidongan, also known as Dondon or Totoy, together with his brother Elakim, filed a formal complaint against former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz. The complaint, submitted last Thursday to the National Police Commission (Napolcom), accuses Macapaz of misconduct, dishonesty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer related to the investigation of the disappearance of at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts between 2021 and 2022.
The Patidongan brothers’ legal counsel, Manuel Angelo Ventura, clarified that Elakim is the primary complainant, with Julie providing supporting testimony. Additionally, CIDG officers Lt. Col. Rosell Encarnacion and Capt. Jairus Vincent Concina are named respondents in the complaint.
Tracing the Sabongeros Case Whistleblower’s Repatriation
Officials reported that the Philippine National Police (PNP) had located Elakim and another individual, Jose, abroad by late June. By July, they were traced to a Southeast Asian country, later confirmed to be Cambodia. In his sworn statement, Elakim revealed that on July 16, they were instructed by a Taiwanese national named Tomas Su to fly to Myanmar under orders from gaming tycoon Atong Ang.
On July 19, the brothers stayed at a hotel in Phnom Penh, where Jose received a message from a person identified as Charlie or Kot Ho Hui. The message warned that Atong Ang wanted them killed, but the plan was reportedly blocked.
During their stay in Phnom Penh, Julie contacted his brothers, informing them that the government would repatriate them and that Macapaz would personally retrieve them. The former CIDG chief and two officers picked them up on July 20 and took them to an embassy, where they remained overnight.
The police officers allegedly requested the surrender of their phones. Elakim and Jose were told they would return to the Philippines on July 22 but could only contact Julie after arrival.
They flew from Phnom Penh to Bangkok, then to Manila. Elakim expressed shock upon being asked to use a passport bearing the name Robert Bautista Baylon and an electronic ticket with booking reference YK2RSU, reportedly under Atong Ang’s orders.
At Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), they were escorted to an immigration office by an officer named Jonathan. They were given documents to sign, and upon exiting the airport, were met by over 20 police officers. It was at this point that Jose was arrested.
Authorities noted that Jose had an outstanding arrest warrant for a prior robbery conviction from the Mandaluyong City Regional Trial Court Branch 208.
Allegations of a Fabricated Case and Abuse
Following their arrival, the brothers were taken to Camp Crame. While Julie met with Elakim, police held a meeting regarding an investigation into Elakim’s alleged use of an alias. The Patidongan brothers accuse Atong Ang as the mastermind behind the reported kidnappings and killings of cockfighting enthusiasts.
Atong Ang denied these accusations in July, dismissing them as “entirely false and without basis.” He further accused Julie Patidongan of attempting to extort P300 million to avoid being implicated.
PNP officials previously stated their intention to file charges against the Patidongan brothers as part of witness protection procedures. However, Elakim claims that CIDG officers fabricated statements to implicate him as the mastermind behind the abductions.
“Upang masampahan ng kaso, ako ay ginawan ng mga salaysay laban sa akin,” Elakim said. (To have a case filed against me, statements against me were made.)
He also alleged being detained for over 36 hours without immediate inquest, which led to his eventual release on July 26. “Ikinulong nila ako ng mahigit 36 na oras. Mapapansing hindi ako agarang idinala sa tamang awtoridad upang ma-inquest. Kaya ako rin ay lumaya kinalaunan noong July 26,” he explained.
Current Status of the Complaint and Investigation
Upon the complaint filing last Thursday, Macapaz declined to comment, stating he would respond to the Napolcom inquiry. He was relieved as CIDG chief on July 28 and reassigned as director of the Police Regional Office Soccsksargen.
PNP officials denied that Macapaz’s reassignment was related to the sabongeros case, citing his intelligence background and the need to strengthen anti-smuggling operations in the new region.
For more news and updates on sabongeros case whistleblower, visit Filipinokami.com.
