PNP fires 5 Laguna cops allegedly involved in e-sabong kidnapping – spox
FILE PHOTO: Philippine National Police
MANILA, Philippines — Five Laguna police officials allegedly involved in the kidnapping of an e-sabong executive were dismissed from the Philippine National Police (PNP), according to a police spokesperson on Tuesday.
However, only three of these cops face criminal charges of kidnapping and robbery, namely Police Staff Sergeant Daryl Paghangaan, Patrolmen Roy Navarete and Regil Brosas. The Department of Justice (DOJ) did not find probable cause for the remaining two, Lt. Henry Sasaluya and Master Sergeant Michael Claveria.
READ: 3 Laguna cops indicted for ‘e-sabong’ kidnapping, robbery
“Mayroon na po silang na-file na admin case related sa pagkakasangkot nila doon sa pagdukot dito sa isang master agent nga ng e-sabong noong August 2021 at I understand kakapirma lang ng desisyon para sila ay ma-dismiss na sa serbisyo at hinihintay na lang natin yung official proof of service doon sa mga concerned PNP personnel, lima po ito,” said PNP spokesperson Police Col. Jean Fajardo in an ambush interview with reporters.
(Admin charges have been filed related to their involvement in the abduction of an e-sabong master agent on August 2021, and I understand that the decision for them to be dismissed from service was just signed and we are just waiting for the official proof of service of the concerned PNP personnel, they are five).
READ: PNP: Cops linked to disappearance of ‘e-sabong’ agents under probe, relieved
Fajardo stated that despite the DOJ not finding probable cause for Sasaluya and Claveria, their admin cases had enough “substantial evidence” to be recommended for dismissal of service.
When asked where the five police officers were, Fajardo said that these cops were currently under the restrictive custody of the Regional Headquarters of the Police Regional Office 4A. However, she did not say if all five are currently there.
Since August 2021, there have been at least 34 reported cases of kidnapping of e-sabong or online cockfighters.
