Police Officers Face Preventive Suspension in Missing Sabungeros Case
MANILA, Philippines — Twelve police officers linked to the missing sabungeros case are now under a 90-day preventive suspension, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) Vice Chairperson Rafael Calinisan announced. This decisive action aims to ensure witness protection and uphold the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
The key decision stems from two resolutions approved by the Napolcom En Banc, which recognized a substantial legal and factual basis to grant the motion for preventive suspension. The complaint was filed by whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as Totoy.
“The gravity of the charges, the preliminary strong evidence of guilt, and the need to maintain the impartiality and integrity of the investigation justify the suspension of the respondents,” Calinisan said during a press briefing.
List of Suspended Police Officers
The police officers named in the resolution are:
- PLt. Col. Ryan Jay Eliab Orapa
- P Maj. Mark Philip Simborio Almedilla
- P EMS Aaron Ezrah Lagahit Cabillan
- P CMS Arturo Opalla Dela Cruz Jr.
- P SMS Joey Natanauan Encarnacion
- P SMS Mark Anthony Aguilo Manrique
- P SMS Anderson Orozco Abary
- P SSg. Alfredo Uy Andes
- P SS Edmon Hernandez Muñoz
- P Cpl. Angel Joseph Ferro Martin
- P SS Renan Lagrosa Fulgencio
These eleven officers face administrative charges involving six counts each of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
Separate Suspension for Police Colonel Jacinto Malinao Jr.
In another resolution, Napolcom also granted the motion for preventive suspension against Police Colonel Jacinto Malinao Jr., who is assigned to the Philippine National Police Headquarters Support Service. He faces similar charges, with an additional complaint of grave neglect of duty.
According to Patidongan’s complaint, Malinao and the other officers allegedly took part in the killings of the missing sabungeros and were involved in illegal activities linked to businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang. The whistleblower further accused them of receiving “grease or protection money” from Ang.
Whistleblower’s Allegations and Investigation
Last month, Patidongan claimed that the 34 missing sabungeros were strangled using a tie wire and buried in Taal Lake, Batangas. The whistleblower also alleged that law enforcement officers were paid to abduct and kill the victims.
These serious accusations prompted Napolcom Vice Chairperson Rafael Calinisan to initiate a motu proprio investigation into the matter, aiming to ensure justice for the victims’ families.
For more news and updates on the missing sabungeros case, visit Filipinokami.com.
