PNP takes custody of Patidongan brothers in sabungero kidnapping case

Brothers Jose and Elakim Patidongan, siblings of whistleblower Julie Patidongan, are in the custody of the Philippine National Police after being apprehended abroad and returned to the Philippines on July 22.

The PNP believes the Patidongan brothers' statements will strengthen criminal complaints against the alleged masterminds in the kidnapping and disappearance of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts (sabungeros) reported missing between 2021 and 2022.

Elakim Patidongan was involved in the case of Melbert John Santos, who was forcibly taken from a cockpit arena in Sta. Cruz, Laguna in January 2022, and was caught on CCTV withdrawing money from Santos' ATM account.

Jose Patidongan was among those who kidnapped cockfight player Michael Bautista from a cockpit arena in Laguna in April 2021.

The police suspect the abductions are linked to alleged match-fixing or cheating within the sabung industry.

The PNP expects the siblings to identify the mastermind behind the abductions.