PNP starts securing burial sites of other sabungeros

Murder, violation of int'l law raps eyed in case — DOJ

- By EMMANUEL TUPAS

Wanting to be several steps ahead of the perpetrators, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has started securing the sites where the remains of over 100 cockfight enthusiasts may have been buried.

While keeping mum on the details, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo yesterday said there are measures in place to protect the burial areas from tampering.

"Definitely there are some security measures being implemented, not only with respect to the personal security of alias Totoy, but also at the possible burial sites for the missing sabungeros," Fajardo told a news briefing at Camp Crame.

Totoy, whose real name is Julie Patidongan, earlier said the bodies of the sabungeros were dumped in a fishpond in Taal Lake in Batangas.

He claimed there are at least 108 victims and not only the missing 34 who are the subjects of an investigation.

PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III said aside from Taal Lake, there are other disposal sites based on the accounts of witnesses.

Fajardo refused to discuss details about the other areas due to the ongoing investigation.

Asked about the 15 police officers who were placed under restrictive custody because of alleged links to the sabungeros' disappearance, Fajardo said they expect the report, which would be the basis for the filing of administrative cases, to be completed in a week.

The PNP is also ready to deploy its technical divers should the Department of Justice (DOJ) request for assistance in looking for the remains of the sabungeros in Taal Lake.

Patidongan, meanwhile, said he has more evidence against gaming tycoon Charlie "Atong" Ang, his former employer whom he tagged as the mastermind in the sabungeros' disappearance.

"Mr. Atong Ang, just you wait, everything has turned upside down," Patidongan said over GMA News.