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November 04, 2025 – Philippines –
Journalist Gary De Leon of News5 has reported that he received a serious death threat on October 27 after contacting a key whistle-blower in the widely followed “missing sabungeros” case. The threat was allegedly made by Julie “Totoy” Patidongan, the whistle-blower in the disappearance of dozens of cockfighters, according to a filing with the safety office of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP).
De Leon told the NUJP that he reached out to Patidongan and his legal team for comment as part of his reporting, and in response received a message that he interpreted as a direct threat. The NUJP said this incident has been reported to the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, emphasising the precarious position of journalists covering high-risk investigations.
The story centres around the unresolved case of 34 missing sabungeros (cockfighters) and extends to wider allegations of abduction and illegal detention implicating prominent figures, including businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang. Patidongan, as a whistle-blower, claims to have previously amplified the disappearance and linked powerful individuals to the matter.
Beyond the threat to De Leon, another reporter, Emil Sumangil, also disclosed he has been receiving daily death threats in connection with his coverage of the same case, highlighting the broader risk facing reporters in this investigation. Sumangil described messages warning him of imminent violence and challenging the safety of his family.
Media-freedom groups argue this case underscores how investigating criminal networks and missing-persons cases can expose journalists to retaliation, intimidation, and physical danger. They call for the Philippines’ authorities to act quickly to protect journalists, investigate threats, and uphold the public’s right to independent journalism. Until such protective steps are in place, the environment for reporters probing sensitive matters remains vulnerable.
Reference –
‘Missing Sabungero’ News5 reporter allegedly receives death threat from whistleblower
