Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday confirmed that an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) has been issued against individuals linked by whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan to the high-profile disappearance of cockfighters, or sabungeros, between 2021 and 2022.
Patidongan, who surfaced earlier this year, alleged that businessman Atong Ang masterminded the abduction of more than 100 cockfighting enthusiasts. According to him, the victims were abducted, killed, and their bodies dumped in Taal Lake. He also implicated actress Gretchen Barretto in the alleged scheme.
“Meron naman na tayong lookout bulletin sa lahat. It’s already there. Mga binanggit ni Patidongan have been issued Lookout Bulletins already,” Remulla said during a briefing. He also revealed that at least one of those mentioned has left the country, although he was unsure if the individual has since returned.
An ILBO does not bar travel outright but requires the Bureau of Immigration to alert law enforcement agencies of the movements of the named individuals. It is often issued to ensure cooperation with ongoing investigations.
Both Ang and Barretto have denied the accusations. Ang claimed that Patidongan threatened to implicate him unless he paid P300 million, while Barretto alleged she was subjected to similar extortion attempts.
Meanwhile, Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon announced that the evaluation of the complaint filed by the families of the missing sabungeros against 62 respondents has been completed. “At kung sino man ‘yung mga dinemanda, padalhan ng subpoena… probably by next week we can issue the subpoenas already and the preliminary investigation will already begin,” Fadullon stated.
The list of respondents reportedly includes Ang, Barretto, and retired Police General Jonnel Estomo, former chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
Fadullon further noted that prosecutors are considering whether to seek a preventive hold departure order (PHDO), which would legally bar implicated individuals from leaving the country. “If there is a basis to anticipate that any of them might abscond or leave, then the prosecutors can apply for a PHDO,” he explained.
The disappearance of the sabungeros has sparked national outrage and calls for justice, with families of the victims pressing for accountability. As the legal process advances, the issuance of subpoenas and the potential application of travel restrictions are expected to intensify scrutiny on the high-profile respondents.