Ex-police director, 11 other cops preventively suspended for missing ‘sabungeros’ probe
Metro Manila, Philippines - The National Police Commission (Napolcom) placed 12 police officers under preventive suspension after their alleged participation in the disappearances of cockfight enthusiasts or sabungeros.
Napolcom Commissioner Rafael Calinisan announced on Monday, Aug. 4 the agency’s unanimous decision to suspend them for not more than 90 days following the motion filed by suspect-turned-witness Julie Patidongan.
The following cops are effectively under preventive suspension:
+ former Batangas Police Director PCol Jacinto Malinao Jr.
+ PLtCol Ryan Jay Orapa
+ PMaj Mark Philip Almedilla
+ PEMS Aaron Ezrah Cabillan
+ PCMS Arturo dela Cruz Jr.
+ PSMS Joey Encarnacion
+ PSMS Mark Anthony Manrique
+ PSMS Anderson Abary
+ PSSg Alfredo Andes
+ PSSg Edmon Munoz
+ PCpl Angel Joseph Martin
+ PSSg Renan Fulgencio
All of them are assigned to the Philippine National Police Headquarters Support Service. Calinisan said the police officers will not receive a salary during the suspension period.
“The gravity of these accusations, if substantiated, would constitute severe violation of the norms expected of members of the Philippine National Police,” the resolution stated.
“Additionally, the preliminary evidence and factual allegations supporting the Motion point to a level of involvement that satisfies the threshold of ‘serious or grave’ charges and ‘strong evidence of guilt.’”
“Hindi po penalty ang [The] preventive suspension [is not a penalty]; Ito po ay isang [This is a] tool ng [of the] National Police Commission to ensure the safety of witnesses, the integrity of the investigation,” Calinisan said in a press briefing.
The 12 cops are facing cases of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming a police officer. Malinao was slapped with an additional charge of grave neglect of duty.
The pre-hearing conference is set for Aug. 14.
Patidongan claimed the police officers, together with purported gaming businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, are involved in the alleged killing of missing sabungeros whose bodies were supposedly dumped in Taal Lake in Batangas.
READ: Atong Ang, Gretchen Barretto possible suspects in missing ‘sabungeros’ case - DOJ
Authorities have been conducting search and retrieval operations at Taal Lake following Patidongan’s claim.
