Quezon city: The suspect identified as 'Alyas Totoy' in connection with the disappearance of over 100 "sabungero" (cockfighting enthusiasts) should file an affidavit to help build the case against the police officers allegedly involved, the Philippine National Police Internal Affairs Service (PNP IAS) said Tuesday. In a press briefing held at Camp Crame in Quezon City, PNP IAS Inspector General Brigido Dulay stated that if Totoy files an affidavit implicating police officers, including seven dismissed cops, they could proceed with filing a criminal case.
According to Philippines News Agency, Dulay mentioned, "Wala pang inilalatag or inilalabas na affidavit itong sinasabing testigo na ito. Kami ay gumagawa na rin ng investigation at case buildup base sa mga dokumento na available ngayon (No affidavit has been filed or released by this alleged witness. We are also doing investigation and case buildup based on the documents available now)." He further added that Totoy did not avail of the Witness Protection Program (WPP) and that his current whereabouts are unknown to the IAS. Dulay emphasized that although they haven't received a statement from Totoy, the critical aspect is to investigate his potential testimony regarding the missing sabungeros.
Dulay also urged the victims' families to come forward to help strengthen the case against the allegedly involved officers. Regardless of whether an affidavit is filed, he asserted that the IAS has the authority to conduct a motu proprio investigation. Seven police officers were dismissed in 2023 in relation to the abduction of e-sabong (online cockfighting) master agent Ricardo Lasco.
PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III announced on Monday that the IAS is collaborating with the National Police Commission (Napolcom) to investigate Totoy's claims that certain police officers colluded with a group responsible for the killing of the victims and disposing of their bodies in Taal Lake in Batangas. Earlier, Napolcom vice chair and executive officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan appealed to Totoy to submit his complaint affidavit "so we can investigate and hear this case with absolute dispatch." Dulay expressed the IAS's agreement and support for Napolcom's actions, committing to work together on this case.
Totoy has also implicated a security guard from a cockfighting arena in Manila and a showbiz personality as being connected to the mastermind behind the crime. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla assured the public that the government would leave no stone unturned in building up the case against the so-called powerful figures.
