Missing Affidavits in Cockfighting Abduction Case
Legal counsel for one of the police officers involved in the abduction of cockfighting enthusiasts revealed that several affidavits linked to the case were not submitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ). Sources said this omission has raised concerns about the fairness of the ongoing investigation.
During a press briefing in Quezon City, Atty. Bernard Vitriolo, representing Staff Master Sgt. Joey Encarnacion, stated that between seven and ten affidavits from at least twelve individuals remain unturned to the DOJ. “We wonder why the CIDG has not released them so that we can reach the right investigation, and we can say it is fair,” Vitriolo told community members.
Claims of Partial Evidence Submission
According to Vitriolo, the withheld affidavits could compromise the integrity of the case. “That’s lacking. It’s just one-sided. For sure, that’s fabricated. The DOJ needs to see the entirety of the story,” he added. He further alleged that the twelve individuals who reportedly filed these affidavits have ties to whistleblower Julie Patidongan, also known as Dondon or Totoy.
When asked how they became aware of these documents, the legal counsel explained, “We found out about these affidavits because our client is a police officer. His associates are also police officers. So, whatever is there will inevitably come out.” This highlights the complexity and internal dynamics within the police force amid the investigation.
Charges Filed Against Police Officers
Encarnacion and eleven other police officers were formally charged with administrative cases by the National Police Commission (Napolcom) on July 29. These charges stem from allegations of kidnapping and possible killings involving the sabungeros. Officials reported that on July 7, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III placed the twelve officers under restrictive custody as the probe continues.
Official Response: No Evidence Suppression
Later that day at Camp Crame, PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano addressed the issue of the affidavits. He confirmed that police investigators received the affidavits last July but clarified that these documents were not initially submitted to the DOJ because they were collected by other parties.
“Our investigators did evaluate this, and it wasn’t our investigators who collected this evidence. So, we did not submit it to the DOJ first,” Abrahano explained. He assured, “But they are not prevented from submitting it to the DOJ because the case is still up for evaluation. We’re not suppressing any evidence.”
Grim Discoveries in Taal Lake
Meanwhile, search and retrieval operations in Taal Lake, Batangas have uncovered skeletal remains and clothing believed to belong to the missing sabungeros. Community members said these gruesome finds intensify the urgency for a thorough and transparent investigation.
As the case unfolds, the call for full disclosure of all affidavits and evidence grows louder. Ensuring that the entire story is accessible to the DOJ remains crucial to delivering justice in this troubling matter.
For more news and updates on police affidavits withheld, visit Filipinokami.com.
