Quezon city: The National Police Commission (Napolcom) announced on Friday that it has completed drafting a resolution concerning the administrative case against 12 police officers linked to the disappearance of sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) between 2021 and 2022. Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan shared in an interview that the commission is awaiting the Department of Justice's (DOJ) decision on the criminal aspect of the case before finalizing and releasing their own resolution.
According to Philippines News Agency, Calinisan explained that the draft resolution is ready, but they have not yet deliberated on it. The commission is coordinating with the DOJ to ensure the timely release of their decision on the sabong cases, aiming to uphold justice in the Philippines. The DOJ recently concluded its preliminary investigation against gaming tycoon Atong Ang and 60 others, moving the case toward resolution.
In June, whistleblower Julie Patidongan accused Ang of hiring the 12 officers to kidnap and kill the sabungeros over alleged cheating during games. Patidongan, alongside families of the missing individuals, filed an administrative complaint with Napolcom on July 14, followed by formal charges against the officers on July 29.
Napolcom suspended the officers for 90 days in August. The suspended officers include Col. Jacinto Malinao Jr., Lt. Col. Ryan Jay Orapa, Maj. Mark Philip Almedilla, PEMS Aaron Ezrah Cabillan, PEMS Arturo dela Cruz Jr., PSMS Joey Encarnacion, PSMS Mark Anthony Manrique, PSMS Anderson Abary, PMSG Renan Fulgencio, PSSG Alfredo Andres, PSSG Edmon Mu±oz, and Cpl. Angel Joseph Martin. Malinao is facing investigations for grave misconduct, neglect of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer, while the others face charges of grave misconduct and similar conduct unbecoming.
Ang has denied the allegations, labeling them as 'entirely false and without basis.' He has accused Patidongan of seeking PHP300 million in exchange for not implicating him.
