Lawyer demands PNP release affidavits in 'sabungero' case

A lawyer representing a police officer accused in the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts is calling on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to release affidavits from 12 alleged former employees of whistleblower Julie Patidongan.

Bernardo Vitriolo, attorney for PSMS Joey Encarnacion, claims that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has not submitted these affidavits to the Department of Justice (DOJ), despite their potential importance.

Vitriolo warns that legal action may be taken if the CIDG fails to provide the requested documents, which he believes could offer a different perspective on the case.

The affidavits reportedly suggest that Patidongan and her siblings were behind the abduction and disappearance of the 'sabungeros', with claims that Ilakim Patidongan withdrew money from an ATM account belonging to one victim while Jose Patidongan was seen escorting another.

CIDG chief Police Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano stated that they received the affidavits but did not submit them to the DOJ because their investigators did not gather the information, leading Vitriolo and his client to question whether evidence is being suppressed.