Napolcom probes case of missing sabungeros

MANILA, Philippines — The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has started its own investigation into the alleged involvement of several policemen in the disappearance of 34 cockfight enthusiasts or sabungeros, whose remains are believed buried in Taal Lake in Batangas.

Napolcom vice chairman and executive officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan yesterday ordered the agency’s inspection, monitoring and investigation service office to look into the supposed involvement of police officers in the crime.

Calinisan urged alias Totoy, one of the suspects who wants to turn state witness, to come forward and submit his complaint affidavit.

He said Totoy’s cooperation would be a major factor in solving administrative cases that would be filed against the suspects.

“I am appealing to alias Totoy to appear and submit his complaint-affidavit, so the Napolcom can investigate and hear this case with absolute dispatch,” Calinisan said in a statement.

Totoy, one of the six security guards implicated in the kidnapping and disappearance of 10 sabungeros at the Manila Arena in 2021, has disclosed details of the crime in a series of interviews aired over GMA News’ 24 Oras.

According to Totoy, more than 30 people were behind the kidnapping and murder of not only 34, but over 100 cockfighting enthusiasts.

He said 20 of the suspects are policemen and the rest are civilians, including a female movie personality.

Calinisan said the Napolcom would dismiss from the service any police officer found to have conspired with the group that killed the sabungeros.

He said he has seen pieces of evidence against the policemen, but declined to give details or the number of officers believed involved in the crime.

“We have to be responsible with our declarations. Without any document in front of me, I cannot venture into giving a number as of the moment,” he said.

Calinisan appealed to families of the victims to come forward and submit written testimonies as these would help the investigation of the Napolcom.