12 cops suspended over sabungeros’ case

MANILA, Philippines — As authorities continue to recover human remains in Taal Lake believed to be those of the missing sabungeros or cockfight enthusiasts, 12 police officers have been suspended in connection with the case.

At a press briefing yesterday, National Police Commission vice chairman and executive officer Rafael Calinisan said the Napolcom found “substantial legal and factual basis” to grant the motion for preventive suspension filed by whistle-blower Julie Patidongan, alias Totoy.

“The gravity of the charges, the preliminary showing of strong evidence of guilt as well as the necessity to safeguard the integrity and impartiality of the proceedings collectively justify the position of preventive suspension,” Calinisan said.

Suspended were Lt. Col. Ryan Jay Orapa; Maj. Mark Philip Almedilla; Executive M/Sgt. Aaron Ezrah Cabillan; Chief M/Sgt. Arturo de la Cruz Jr.; Senior M/Sergeants Joey Encarnacion, Mark Anthony Manrique and Anderson Abary; Staff Sergeants Alfredo Andes and Edmon Muñoz; Cpl. Angel Joseph Martin; S/Sgt. Renan Fulgencio, and Col. Jacinto Malinao Jr.

They were suspended for 90 days effective upon receipt of the Napolcom resolution.

Calinisan emphasized that preventive suspension is not a finding of guilt, but a procedural safeguard to ensure an impartial probe and to prevent interference with witnesses or tampering with evidence.

Patidongan, in his affidavit, alleged that police officers were involved in the kidnapping and murder of at least 34 sabungeros between 2021 and 2022.

The complaints against the police personnel include grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming of a police officer and irregularities in the performance of duty.

The Napolcom’s Integrity Monitoring and Inspection Service ordered the police officers to respond to the charges within seven days.