MISSING SABUNGEROS
NAPOLCOM orders 90-day preventive suspension of 12 cops linked to ‘missing sabungeros’ case
MANILA, Philippines — Twelve police officers have been placed under a preventive suspension for up to 90 days to ensure they do not influence witnesses in the “missing sabungeros” case. The officers are accused of being involved in the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts and of taking bribes from the alleged mastermind.
National Police Commission (Napolcom) Vice Chairman Rafael Vicente Calinisan clarified that the suspensions are part of the formal investigation process and should not be viewed as a penalty or punishment.
“This is a tool by the NAPOLCOM to ensure the safety of witnesses and the integrity of the investigation,” Calinisan told reporters during a press conference on Monday.
Suspended officers
The twelve officers placed on suspension are:
- Police Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Eliab Orapa
- Police Major Mark Philip Cimborio Almedilla
- PEMS Aaron Ezra Lagajit Cabilian
- Police Chief Master Sergeant Arturo De La Cruz
- Police Senior Master Sergeant Joey Natanawan Incarnacion
- Police Senior Master Sergeant Mark Anthony Aguilo Manrique
- Police Senior Master Sergeant Anderson Ozorco Abari
- Police Staff Sergeant Alfredo Uy Andes
- Police Staff Sergeant Edmond Hernandez Muñoz
- Police Corporal Angel Joseph Ferro Martin
- Police Staff Sergeant Renan Lagrosa Fulgencio
- Police Colonel Jacinto Rodriguez Malinao Jr.
Administrative charges and allegations
The suspension follows administrative charges filed by Napolcom last week. Eleven of the officers, with the exception of Malinao Jr., face complaints of grave misconduct, irregularities in the performance of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer. Malinao Jr. was charged with grave misconduct, grave neglect of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
The charges are based on the affidavit of complainant and witness Julie Patidongan, also known as “Totoy.” According to a Napolcom resolution, Patidongan alleged that the officers “participated in these killings and are reportedly involved in illegal activities alongside Charlie Chu Hai Ang, a.k.a. Atong Ang, from whom they allegedly received grease or protection money.”
Ang has since denied the allegations against him.
The suspensions were served and took effect immediately on Monday, August 4. The officers will not receive their salaries during the suspension period. The officers have until Friday, August 8 to respond to the charges, with a pre-hearing conference scheduled for August 14.
