By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
The National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Thursday said they are also looking into several police generals for their possible involvement in the disappearance of “sabungeros.”
In a press conference at the Napolcom headquarters in Quezon City, Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan said they do not solely rely on the statement of accused-turned-whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan.
“Sabihin na lang natin 18 ‘yong kinasuhan ni Totoy (Patidongan), 12 ‘yong kinasuhan sa ating legal service pero tuloy-tuloy ang imbestigasyon ng Napolcom. Meron tayong natatalisod pa na ilan pang mga pangalan na hindi pa lumalabas sa kaalaman ng publiko and we are pursuing these names until now,” said Calinisan.
Calinisan said in line with the order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., they are digging deeper into the disappearances of the cockfighting enthusiasts, particularly into the possible involvement of police personnel.
“No stones unturned. Ang instruction ng Presidente simple, mag-imbestiga ng maayos, walang sacred cows, ‘yon ang ginagawa natin at wala tayong kinakatakutan kahit ano pang ranggo ‘yan,” he said.
“Kasama siguro doon para aware na rin kayo may mga heneral tayong iniimbestigahan. So sa Tagalog antay ka lang sir, nasa chapter 1 pa lang tayo, may chapter 2,” he added.
Last Monday, Napolcom suspended for 90 days the 12 police officers tagged by Patidongan in the case.
Those ordered suspended were:
- PCol. Jacinto Malinao Jr.
- PLt.Col. Ryan Jay Orapa
- PMaj. Mark Philip Almedilla
- PEMS Aaron Ezrah Cabillan
- PEMS Arturo dela Cruz Jr.
- PSMS Joey Encarnacion
- PSMS Mark Anthony Manrique
- PSMS Anderson Abary
- PMSg. Renan Fulgencio
- PSSg. Alfredo Andres
- PSSg. Edmon Muñoz
- PCpl. Angel Joseph Martin
Malinao, the former director of Batangas Provincial Police Office, is being investigated for alleged grave misconduct, grave neglect of duty and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
The 11 other cops are facing complaints for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
The resolution pointed out that the preventive suspension is not tantamount to a finding of culpability on the part of the policemen.
