Napolcom to probe alleged cop involvement in over 100 missing cockfighters

Metro Manila, Philippines - The National Police Commission (Napolcom) will investigate the alleged involvement of police officers in the disappearance of more than 100 cockfighters.

Napolcom vice chairperson and executive officer Rafael Calinisan ordered the agency’s Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service to launch a probe following an expose of alias Totoy, an accused-turned-witness in the disappearance case.

Totoy alleged that police personnel have connived with the group that allegedly killed the cockfighters and dumped their bodies in Taal Lake in Batangas.

The Napolcom investigation may result in the filing of administrative cases to determine whether or not erring officials would remain in service.

"In the event that they are deemed liable, the NAPOLCOM may impose suspension, demotion, or even dismissal from the service against erring cops," Calinisan said in a statement on Friday, June 27.

Calinisan appealed to Totoy and other complainants to submit an affidavit to immediately resolve the case.

"There needs to be swift justice, and we will not hesitate to dispense swift justice," the official said.

Totoy earlier told the Department of Justice (DOJ) that aside from police officers, a security guard from a cockfighting arena in Manila and a showbiz personality are linked to the mastermind.

The DOJ is also eyeing a discussion with the Supreme Court after Totoy revealed that the mastermind has deep connections in the judicial branch.