PNP backs Napolcom probe into cops’ alleged link to sabungeros’ abductions

TRANQUIL. A small sailboat navigates in the waves of Taal Lake in Batangas. (File photo from TALISAY TOURISM OFFICE)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) supports the investigation of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) on the alleged involvement of police officers in the abductions of at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts (“sabungeros”).

Napolcom announced its probe last Friday, after one of the case’s suspects claimed that law enforcers were involved in the abductions, which took place between April 2021 and January 2022.

“We will defer to the statement of (Napolcom Vice Chairperson) Atty. Ralph Calinisan. We will support whatever direction he will take in this investigation,” PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III said in a press conference in Camp Crame on Monday.

He noted that the PNP’s Internal Affairs Service is coordinating with Napolcom on the case.

“We will defer to the direction of the DOJ (Department of Justice)… For the PNP, we will provide them with whatever information or support, or manpower that they will require from us,” the national police chief added.

READ: Napolcom investigates if cops were involved in missing ‘sabungeros’ case

The claim that police officers were involved came from one of the suspects, a Manila cockfighting arena security guard identified only as “Totoy,” in a GMA News interview aired last Tuesday.

Totoy also claimed that the abducted sabungeros were buried in Taal Lake in Batangas.

PNP Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo previously said the police organization is ready to protect Totoy and assist him in filing an affidavit to help with the case build-up.

The PNP will also deploy its Maritime Group to search for bodies in Taal Lake. /apl/abc