The National Police Commission of the Philippines (Napolcom) announced that 12 officers have been suspended for 90 days as a preventive measure due to their alleged involvement in the highly publicized "cockfighting disappearance case," sparking significant public concern.
Rafael Calinisan, Vice Chairman of Napolcom, stated at a press conference that the decision was made to ensure the safety of witnesses and the fairness of the investigation, based on two resolutions unanimously passed by the commission. The documents indicate that the statement materials submitted by the whistleblower "Totoy" (pseudonym, real name Julie "Dondon" Patidongan) have "sufficient legal and factual basis" to support the temporary removal of the officers involved.
Calinisan further stated: "Given the seriousness of the allegations, the solid preliminary evidence, and the necessity to ensure procedural fairness, the suspension is both reasonable and necessary."
The list of the 12 suspended officers is as follows:
• Ryan Jay Eliab Orapa
• Mark Philip Simborio Almedilla
• Aaron Ezrah Lagahit Cabillan
• Arturo Opalla Dela Cruz Jr.
• Joey Natanauan Encarnacion
• Mark Anthony Aguilo Manrique
• Anderson Orozco Abary
• Alfredo Uy Andes
• Edmon Hernandez Munoz
• Angel Joseph Ferro Martin
• Renan Lagrosa Fulgencio
• Jacinto Malinao Jr.
These officers face six administrative charges, including serious misconduct, violation of professional ethics, and dereliction of duty. The investigation also revealed that Malinao and others are suspected of receiving "protection money" from cockfighting operators and wealthy businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang, and even being involved in the dark operations of kidnapping and murdering cockfighters.
The whistleblower Patidongan also previously revealed that the bodies of 34 missing cockfighters were discarded in Lake Taal, Batangas Province, and they were suspected to have been strangled with wire before being killed, in a brutal manner.
The exposure of this case has triggered a strong public outcry, with public opinion calling for a thorough exposure of the corruption and violence hidden within the police force. Napolcom has formally initiated an investigation into the personnel involved, and the case is still being actively handled.
