The investigation into the case of missing ‘sabungeros” (cockfight enthusiasts) will not be limited to the 15 policemen already identified, as more officers may be implicated depending on the outcome of the ongoing probe, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III said on Monday, July 7.
“We will not stop at these 15 policemen; we will leave no stones unturned. There may be some personalities identified along the investigation, and what is important for us is to give justice to the victims,” Torre said.
The 15 policemen, including a Police Lieutenant Colonel, were placed under restrictive custody at Camp Crame in Quezon City amid the ongoing investigation.
Torre said they were assigned to various units, including regional offices. Fourteen are in active service, while one is due for retirement.
“We have placed several personnel under restrictive custody pending the investigation on the missing sabungeros—that we can confirm,” he added.
The case resurfaced after a self-confessed ally of businessman Atong Ang claimed that Ang was involved in the disappearance and killings of cockfighters over alleged anomalies in cockfighting operations.
Ang has denied the allegations and filed charges against whistleblower Julie Patidongan, who claimed the number of missing sabungeros could be as high as 100.
Patidongan also alleged that several policemen were on Ang’s payroll and played key roles in the disappearances.
With the 15 officers now in custody, Torre said the PNP is working closely with the National Police Commission (Napolcom) to ensure an in-depth, transparent, and impartial investigation. He confirmed that the officers are being investigated for both criminal and administrative violations.
BURIAL SITES
Aside from Taal Lake—where some of the missing sabungeros were reportedly dumped—Torre said they have received information pointing to other possible disposal sites.
“We are looking into other places as disposal areas for the missing victims,” he said.
As for calls to deploy divers to Taal Lake, Torre said the PNP is exploring all possible methods to aid in the investigation, including the retrieval of remains.
Torre also revealed that long before Patidongan went public, he had already met with him during his tenure as head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
Based on the information provided, the PNP had submitted documents to the Department of Justice.
Torre admitted he was shocked by the whistleblower’s revelations, describing the killings as “grisly and not acceptable by any standards.”
“What is important now is to give justice to the victims and to cleanse the organization of these kinds of personnel,” he said. (Aaron Recuenco)
