Quezon city: The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has identified a probable cause to initiate administrative cases against 12 police officers implicated by whistleblower Julie "Totoy" Patidongan in the disappearance of "sabungeros" (cockfight enthusiasts).
According to Philippines News Agency, during a press conference at the Napolcom headquarters, Staff Service Director Edman Pares of the Napolcom's Inspection Monitoring and Investigation Service (IMIS) announced that their division has filed charges of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer against the 12 officers with the commission's Legal Affairs Service. One officer also faces additional charges of grave neglect of duty, all stemming from a complaint filed by Patidongan and the families of the missing sabungeros.
The officers, currently under restrictive custody, include individuals with the ranks of Police Colonel, Police Lieutenant Colonel, Police Major, and nine other Police Non-Commissioned Officers, with eight of them being police sergeants. Pares emphasized the strength of the affidavit provided by Patidongan, noting it was sufficient to pursue administrative action.
Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan stated that the officers charged would have the opportunity to respond as part of the due process. Hearings will be conducted to determine the outcomes, which, if guilty, could result in suspension, demotion, or dismissal with forfeiture of benefits.
Calinisan further explained that this case is now a summary dismissal proceeding, to be elevated to the Napolcom en banc following the hearings. He expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his support during the investigation, as highlighted in the President's recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).
The investigation is ongoing, with more individuals expected to be implicated. Calinisan assured that the commission remains committed to the pursuit of justice, undeterred by rank or influence. President Marcos, in his SONA, vowed to ensure justice for the missing "sabungeros" and to hold accountable all involved parties, regardless of their status.
