Top cops under Napolcom probe as missing ‘sabungeros’ case deepens

Jericho Zafra
1–2 minutes

MANILA — The National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Thursday confirmed it is investigating several police generals for their possible involvement in the disappearance of cockfight enthusiasts or “sabungeros.”

Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan said the investigation is not limited to the testimonies of accused-turned-whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan.

“Sabihin na lang natin 18 ‘yung kinasuhan ni Totoy (Patidongan), 12 ‘yung kinasuhan sa ating legal service pero tuluy-tuloy ang imbestigasyon ng Napolcom. Meron tayong natatalisod pa na ilan pang mga pangalan na hindi pa lumalabas sa kaalaman ng publiko and we are pursuing these names until now,” Calinisan said during a press briefing at the Napolcom headquarters in Quezon City.

He said their probe is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to get to the bottom of the case and ensure accountability regardless of rank.

“No stones unturned. Ang instruction ng Presidente simple, mag imbestiga ng maayos, walang sacred cows yun ang ginagawa natin at wala tayong kinakatakutan kahit ano pang ranggo yan,” he said.

“Kasama siguro doon para aware na rin kayo may mga heneral tayong iniimbestigahan. So sa Tagalog antay ka lang sir, nasa chapter 1 pa lang tayo, may chapter 2,” he added.

Earlier this week, Napolcom placed 12 police officers under preventive suspension for 90 days based on Patidongan’s allegations.

The suspended officers are:

  • Col. Jacinto Malinao Jr.
  • Lt. Col. Ryan Jay Orapa
  • Maj. Mark Philip Almedilla
  • Executive M/Sgt. Aaron Ezrah Cabillan
  • Executive M/Sgt. Arturo dela Cruz Jr.
  • Senior M/Sgt. Joey Encarnacion
  • Senior M/Sgt. Mark Anthony Manrique
  • Senior M/Sgt. Anderson Abary
  • M/Sgt. Renan Fulgencio
  • Staff Sgt. Alfredo Andres
  • Staff Sgt. Edmon Muñoz
  • Cpl. Angel Joseph Martin

Malinao, former director of the Batangas Provincial Police Office, is being investigated for alleged grave misconduct, grave neglect of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer. The other officers are facing complaints for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

Napolcom clarified that the suspension is a preventive measure and does not imply guilt. (PNA)

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