NCRPO to cooperate in probe of ex-cops tagged in missing ‘sabungeros’ case

FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Friday vowed to cooperate with the investigation involving dismissed officers charged by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) over the disappearance of four cockfight enthusiasts or “sabungeros” in 2021.

The NCRPO said its chief Maj. Gen. Jonnel Estomo had placed the allegedly involved police officers in “restrictive custody” after the NBI Task Force Against Illegal Drugs launched its probe into the incident.

“They are still on restriction inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City as of this report and are recommended to be charged of kidnapping and serious illegal detention, as well as violation of the Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act,” the NCRPO said in a statement.

Estomo reiterated that the NCRPO “vehemently rejects and would never stand for any blatant violation of human rights, the law or public order by anyone, more so by his men.”

“We will cooperate in any phase of the investigation or court proceedings as the case progresses,” he added.

Accused of kidnapping siblings Gio and Mico Mateo, Garry Matreo Jr. and Ronaldo Anonuevo on April 13, 2021 are NCRPO drug enforcement unit chief Col. Ryan Orapa; Lt. Jesus Menez; S/Sgts. Roy Pioquinto and Robert Raz; Cpls. Alric Natividad, Troy Paragas, Ronald Lanaria, Ronald Montibon, Reynaldo Seno, Ruscel Solomon and Christal Rosita; police assets Nicasio and Nicholes Manio, a certain Angelo Atienza and a certain Boss Mark.

The 11 police officers tagged in the case were relieved from their posts in October 2022.

RELATED STORIES:

NCRPO relieves 11 officers facing charges over missing ‘sabungeros’ 

PNP: Ex-cops tagged in abduction of ‘e-sabong’ agent may stand state witnesses

Bongbong Marcos orders Remulla to ‘closely monitor’ missing cockfighters case

JPV