Quezon city: Whistleblower Julie Patidongan, known by the alias 'Totoy', has officially filed administrative complaints with the National Police Commission (Napolcom) against 12 police officers and personnel allegedly involved in the disappearance of 'sabungeros' or cockfight enthusiasts. Patidongan, who is also an accused in the case, claims these officers were instrumental in abducting the enthusiasts and taking them to Taal Lake.

According to Philippines News Agency, Patidongan made these allegations during a press conference at the Napolcom office in Quezon City. He asserted that the officers were paid to carry out these abductions and was accompanied by the relatives of the missing enthusiasts in filing the complaints. The administrative nature of the complaints means that the officers could face penalties ranging from suspension to removal from the police service, depending on Napolcom's findings.

Patidongan further connected the implicated officers to the previous administration's controversial war on drugs, detailing how certain officers were introduced to him by higher-ranking officials and were allegedly involved in violent actions during the drug war. Among those accused are Police Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Jay Orapa and Col. Jacinto Malinao Jr., who were supposedly linked to the masterminds behind the disappearances.

He also mentioned that around 30 more inactive police officers were involved in the case and implicated retired Police Lt. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, who allegedly instructed others to eliminate him to avoid complications. Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan noted that the 12 named officers could face charges for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer, with possible penalties including suspension, demotion, or dismissal from service. Napolcom is expected to issue its decision within 60 days.