Manila: The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has dismissed 11 police officers from the National Capital Region Police Office's Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU-NCRPO) over alleged kidnapping cases. In a news release, Napolcom stated that the officers were found administratively liable for two counts of grave misconduct and two counts of conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
According to Philippines News Agency, the commission identified the 11 officers involved as Lt. Col. Ryan Jay Orapa, Maj. Mark Phillip Almedilla, SMSgt. Mark Anthony Manrique, SSgt. Edmon Mu±oz, SSgt. Robert Allan Raz Jr., SSgt. Denar Roda, Cpl. Alric Natividad, Cpl. Reynaldo Seno Jr., Cpl. Ronald John Lanaria, Patrolman Rufino Miguel Panghulan, and Patrolman Develyn Tapalla. Notably, Orapa, Almedilla, Manrique, and Mu±oz had previously been linked to the missing 'sabungeros' (cockfight enthusiasts) case and had been charged and dismissed from service in January.
The officers were accused of involvement in two abduction incidents on February 17 and March 24, 2021, allegedly conducted under the guise of anti-drug operations. The case originated from complaints filed on September 3, 2025. Napolcom highlighted the severity of the officers' actions, stating, "The respondents' actions, carried out while they were in active service and acting under the color of authority, seriously dishonored the Philippine National Police (PNP) and demonstrated a corrupt and unworthy moral character incompatible with public service."
In light of the serious nature of the violations, Napolcom imposed the maximum penalty of dismissal, along with accessory penalties. Napolcom Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan emphasized that due process was rigorously observed in handling the cases. He stated, "May due process tayo dito sa Napolcom. Hindi natin puwedeng paghaluin ang mga kaso. Kailangan nating tingnan nang hiwa-hiwalay, base sa ebidensya (We have due process here in Napolcom. We can't mix the cases together. We have to look at them separately based on evidence)."
