The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has found probable cause to pursue administrative charges against three senior police officials and nine other lawmen in connection with the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts, known as the “missing sabungeros.”
Napolcom Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan confirmed the filing of cases of Grave Misconduct and Conduct Unbecoming of a Police Officer against the cops.
As part of due process, the 12 implicated officers will be given time to submit their written responses.
“They will be given time to file their answers, after which there will be hearings,” Calinisan stated.
He added that preventive suspension is a possible course of action under Napolcom rules but emphasized that no decision will be made prematurely.
“I don’t want to preempt whatever action Napolcom will take, but that is an option we can consider,” he said.
The administrative complaints were filed by whistleblower Julie Patidongan, also known as “Totoy,” along with relatives of the missing sabungeros, whose bodies were allegedly dumped into Taal Lake.
The respondents include commissioned officers holding the ranks of Police Colonel, Police Lieutenant Colonel, and Police Major, as well as nine Police Non-Commissioned Officers, eight of whom are Police Sergeants.
Edman Pares, director of the Inspection Monitoring and Investigation Service, said the affidavit provided by Patidongan is strong to warrant the pursuit of the administrative cases.
“In the affidavit, there were statements that are factual in relation to his participation when it comes to the allegations which served as the basis for the filing of the case,” said Pares.
“We also have other documents in which we will be attaching our formal complaint,” he added.
Calinisan said the formal filing of administrative charges was expected to be done on Tuesday, July 29.
In as press briefing, Calinisan revealed that two groups had attempted to approach him in an effort to derail the investigation and shield certain individuals from scrutiny.
However, the commissioner said he swiftly rejected their move, emphasizing that the commission remains committed to pursuing justice for the families of the missing sabungeros.
The cases slapped against the 12 policemen have maximum penalty of dismissal from the services and forfeiture of the retirement benefits. (Aaron Recuenco)
