MANILA, Philippines — Twelve police officers have been placed on preventive suspension for up to 90 days to prevent them from influencing witnesses in the "missing sabungeros" case, where they are accused of involvement in the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts and taking bribes from the mastermind behind it.
National Police Commission (Napolcom) Vice Chairman Rafael Vicente Calinisan said the suspensions are part of the formal investigation process and should not be interpreted as penalty or punishment.
"This is a tool by the NAPOLCOM to ensure the safety of witnesses and the integrity of the investigation," Calinisan told reporters at a press conference Monday, August 4.
The suspended officers are:
- Police Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Eliab Orapa
- Police Major Mark Philip Cimborio Almedilla
- PEMS Aaron Ezra Lagajit Cabilian
- Police Chief Master Sergeant Arturo De La Cruz
- Police Senior Master Sergeant Joey Natanawan Incarnacion
- Police Senior Master Sergeant Mark Anthony Aguilo Manrique
- Police Senior Master Sergeant Anderson Ozorco Abari
- Police Staff Sergeant Alfredo Uy Andes
- Police Staff Sergeant Edmond Hernandez Muñoz
- Police Corporal Angel Joseph Ferro Martin
- Police Staff Sergeant Renan Lagrosa Fulgencio
- Police Colonel Jacinto Rodriguez Malinao Jr.
Prior developments. The suspension of the 12 cops linked to the missing sabungeros case comes after the administrative charges filed by the Napolcom against them last week.
Specifically, 11 of the police officers and police officials, with the exception of Malinao Jr., are facing complaints of grave misconduct, irregularities in the performance of duty and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
Malinao Jr., meanwhile, was charged with grave misconduct, grave neglect of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
Allegations of collusion. The administrative charges against the 12 cops were filed based on the affidavit of complainant and witness Julie Patidongan, who is also known as "Totoy."
Patidongan alleged that police officers "participated in these killings and are reportedly involved in illegal activities alongside Charlie Chu Hai Ang, a.k.a. Atong Ang, from whom they allegedly received grease or protection money," according to a Napolcom resolution read by Calinisan during the press conference.
Ang has since denied the allegations against him.
The officers received orders on Friday, August 1 to respond within seven working days to formal charges filed by the Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service. They have a pre-hearing conference scheduled for August 14.
The suspensions were served this morning and take effect immediately. During suspension, the officers do not receive their salaries.
RELATED: Atong Ang’s camp says ‘Totoy’ lacks credibility in 'sabungeros' case
Patidongan earlier accused Ang and others of orchestrating the disappearances of the cockfighting enthusiasts, who have been missing since 2021.
He also linked actress Gretchen Barretto, saying she was frequently seen with Ang. Baretto has since denied the accusation.
RELATED: Atong Ang, Gretchen Barretto tagged in missing sabungeros case – report
The government in June revived its efforts to untangle the "missing sabungeros" case that involves the disappearance of at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon between 2021 and 2022.
The case gained renewed attention in June when Patidongan came forward in the media and claimed the victims had been killed and buried in Taal Lake. This prompted the Department of Justice to initiate underwater searches for the victims' remains and investigate police involvement in the alleged killings.