PNP Places 15 Members Under Restrictive Custody Amid Sabungeros Case
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has confirmed that 15 of its members are currently under restrictive custody in Camp Crame, Quezon City. These officers are reportedly linked to the case involving the missing sabungeros, or cockfighting enthusiasts.
“We have placed the several police personnel under restrictive custody pending the investigation into the missing sabungeros. That we can confirm. And we have partnered with the National Police Commission for the in-depth investigation of this case,” said PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III during a press briefing on Monday. This statement came after Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla disclosed the development.
Details on the Police Personnel in Custody
Gen. Torre explained that the 15 personnel come from various units, including support units, regional offices, and area police commands (APC). Among those restricted is a lieutenant colonel. When asked if the officers were detained at Camp Crame, Torre affirmed, “Yes, they are.”
He also revealed that the whistleblower, known as Julie “Dondon” Patidongan or alias “Totoy,” began communicating with the police while Torre was still heading the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). However, he chose not to disclose the specifics of how Patidongan approached the CIDG.
Ongoing Investigation and Whistleblower Revelations
Justice Secretary Remulla previously announced that the 15 members are on restricted duty and must report to designated offices. This measure prevents them from taking part in police operations while the investigation proceeds.
Last month, Patidongan, one of the six security guards accused of abducting the missing sabungeros, claimed that the 34 individuals were strangled with tie wires and their bodies buried in Taal Lake, Batangas.
The missing cockfighting aficionados reportedly disappeared in 2021. Authorities continue their efforts to uncover the truth behind this troubling case.
For more news and updates on the missing sabungeros case, visit Filipinokami.com.