The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) released a resolution imposing a 90-day preventive suspension on twelve police officers linked to the ‘missing sabungeros’ case on Monday, August 4.
The resolution aims to prevent the officers from influencing witnesses in the case, where they are accused of the disappearance of cockfight enthusiasts and taking bribes from the mastermind behind the incident.
Napolcom Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan clarified that the suspension is not a penalty or punishment but rather part of the formal investigation process.
“Ito po ay isang tool ng National Police Commission to ensure the safety of witnesses, the integrity of the investigation. So we are placing respondents on preventive suspension upon motion of the complainant,” he said
Officers who will face suspension and cases on allegations of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer are as follows:
- Police Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Eliab Orapa
- Police Major Mark Philip Cimborio Almedilla
- PEMS Aaron Ezra Lagajit Cabilian
- Police Chief Master Sergeant Arturo De La Cruz
- Police Senior Master Sergeant Joey Natanawan Incarnacion
- Police Senior Master Sergeant Mark Anthony Aguilo Manrique
- Police Senior Master Sergeant Anderson Ozorco Abari
- Police Staff Sergeant Alfredo Uy Andes
- Police Staff Sergeant Edmond Hernandez Muñoz
- Police Corporal Angel Joseph Ferro Martin
- Police Staff Sergeant Renan Lagrosa Fulgencio
- Police Colonel Jacinto Rodriguez Malinao Jr.
This suspension follows the administrative charges filed against them last week.
When asked why Julie Patidongan, the witness of the 'missing sabungeros' case, requested the suspension of the officers, Calinisan did not answer directly and asked the media to turn to Patidongan for his response.
However, he added that the decision was based on the evidence provided, and the Napolcom En Banc unanimously approved the order for preventive suspension.
"Sinisiguro po natin dito na patas po ang imbestigasyon, patas po ang pagtingin natin sa kasong ito. We will accord and provide due process to all respondents. We will provide due process to the complainant. And we will provide answers to the Filipino people very, very soon." Calinisan assured the public.
