More than three years since the mysterious disappearance of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts, the Philippine National Police–Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) has taken a decisive step—launching a formal case build-up against police officers allegedly linked to the chilling case.
According to the report by RH Edniel Parrosa, this was confirmed by PNP-IAS Inspector General Atty. Dodo Dulay in an interview with DZRH, following the claim of a witness identifying over 20 police personnel allegedly involved in the abduction and murder of the missing individuals.
“Ongoing case build up namin. Pero wala kaming kopya ng salaysay ni Totoy para malagyan ng sustansya yung mga bagong alegasyon. Kaya’t hinihikayat namin yung pamilya at yung mga testigo na makipag-ugnayan sa IAS,” Dulay said in a statement to DZRH.
However, Dulay clarified that the IAS has yet to obtain a copy of the sworn statement of alias "Totoy,” the whistleblower who recently came forward in the media.
Meanwhile, the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) had earlier ordered a motu proprio investigation into the case, warning that any officer found guilty will be dismissed from service.
During a press briefing at Camp Crame on Monday morning, June 30, PNP Chief PGen. Nicolas Torre III said the PNP will allow the process to unfold, noting that the Department of Justice (DOJ) now has control over the case.
“On the disciplinary side ng mga na-implicate na mga PNP natin, Napolcom had already issued a statement. We will defer to the statement of Atty. Ralph Calinisan and we will support kung ano man ang direksyon na kanyang gagawin,” Torre said.
Torre emphasized that the DOJ will be the lead agency in providing updates on the ongoing criminal investigation, especially regarding the status of the missing sabungeros.
He also assured the public that the safety of involved individuals, especially whistleblower “Totoy,” will be prioritized.
Alias Totoy earlier claimed that the victims were buried near or in the waters of Taal Lake—a revelation that, if verified, could be a key piece in solving the years-long mystery.
Meanwhile, DZRH continues to monitor developments, including allegations that a showbiz celebrity may be implicated in the case.
