PNP arrests Elakim and Jose Patidongan in missing sabungero case

Two individuals considered key to the investigation of the missing sabungero case are now in police custody, according to Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo.

The PNP identified these two as siblings Elakim and Jose Patidongan, who were arrested in a Southeast Asian country on July 22 and repatriated by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

Elakim was caught withdrawing money from an ATM card belonging to one of the missing sabungeros, while Jose was allegedly involved in escorting another victim during an abduction.

Both arrests were legitimate and coordinated with the Bureau of Immigration for the operation.

Since 2021, a total of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts have been reported missing, reportedly due to match-fixing or cheating in the games.

Patidongan alleged that businessman Atong Ang is the mastermind behind these disappearances and also linked actress Gretchen Barretto, although both have denied any involvement.