Quezon city: Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday assured the public that there would be no sacred cows in the ongoing investigation into the case of missing cockfighting aficionados, commonly known as "sabungeros." He emphasized that regardless of rank or position, anyone found involved with the Alpha group-a group allegedly linked to the disappearances-would face charges if the investigation substantiates their involvement.
According to Philippines News Agency, during a visit to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Command Center at Camp Crame, Remulla revealed that whistleblower Julie 'Totoy' Patidongan has already provided a list of names under scrutiny. He stated that the Department of Justice is aware of the group members and urged the public to direct inquiries to the DOJ for more information.
National Police Commission (Napolcom) Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Calinisan disclosed that summons had been issued to the 12 active-duty police officers implicated by Patidongan in his complaint-affidavit. These officers are required to respond within five days, or they risk waiving their right to submit counter-affidavits. The complaint will then be assessed to determine if formal charges should be filed, with potential administrative charges for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
Calinisan indicated that Napolcom intends to release its decision on this matter within 60 days. The 12 officers were part of a group of 15 police personnel placed under restrictive custody, as confirmed by PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas D. Torre III last July. The officers are suspected members of a private armed group linked to the sabungeros' disappearance.
In a related development, the PNP-Forensic Group announced that six out of 91 bones retrieved from Taal Lake might be of human origin. Remulla suggested that these findings corroborate Patidongan's account. He mentioned that video evidence of the abductions could further substantiate claims of a conspiracy involving the implicated officers.
The search for the missing sabungeros began after Patidongan disclosed in June that they were allegedly killed, tied to sandbags, and disposed of in Taal Lake. Relatives of the missing individuals have joined Patidongan in filing complaints against the police officers involved. These complaints are administrative, meaning the penalties could range from suspension to removal from service, subject to Napolcom's sanctions. Additionally, the implicated officers have been linked to the previous administration's war on drugs.
