Duterte Dismisses Sabungeros Link as ‘Preposterous’

Manila – July 16, 2025

Former President Rodrigo Duterte has strongly denied any connection to the case of the missing sabungeros, calling attempts to link him to the disappearances “preposterous.” The statement was relayed by Vice President Sara Duterte, who recently visited her father in The Hague, Netherlands, where he remains detained on charges related to his administration’s controversial war on drugs.

The denial comes amid renewed scrutiny following whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan’s claims that several police officers allegedly involved in the abduction of cockfighting enthusiasts were also part of Duterte’s drug war operations. Patidongan filed formal complaints against 12 active police officers at the National Police Commission (Napolcom), alleging their involvement in enforced disappearances tied to both e-sabong and drug-related killings.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla acknowledged the possibility of an “intersection” between the drug war and the sabungeros case, citing overlapping personnel and tactics. He noted that some suspects in drug operations were also linked to illegal online cockfighting rings, raising concerns about systemic abuse and contractual killings. However, Remulla emphasized that investigations are ongoing and no definitive link has been established.

The case has gained national attention, especially after authorities began exhuming remains in Taal Lake, where whistleblowers claim victims were dumped. Over 90 bone fragments have been recovered, including what may be human remains, prompting the setup of a DNA database to aid identification efforts.

Vice President Duterte said she “expected” such allegations, citing previous attacks on her office and her father’s legacy. “There seems to be no road back to unity,” she remarked, expressing concern over the political climate and the erosion of continuity in governance.

Rodrigo Duterte, now 80 years old, faces charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC). His family continues to seek interim release or house arrest, with several senators filing resolutions in support.

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