PNP IAS urges suspect in sabungeros case to file affidavit for probe

Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame. File photo.

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police Internal Affairs Service (PNP IAS) has urged a suspect in the abduction of at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts (sabungeros) to submit an affidavit to help build a case against the police officers allegedly involved.

The suspect, identified only as “Totoy,” a security guard at a Manila cockfighting arena, claimed in a GMA News interview aired on June 24 that around 20 police officers were involved in the abductions, which occurred between April 2021 and January 2022.

“This witness has not yet filed or released an affidavit… These revelations are important because that’s what gives the case substance, linkages,” PNP IAS Inspector General Atty. Brigido Dulay said in an interview in Camp Crame on Tuesday.

“We are already conducting an investigation and case build-up based on the documents that are available now… But, the narratives given back then in the Senate, the narratives in the investigation need substance,” he added.

According to Dulay, seven police officers were already dismissed in 2023 in connection with the abduction of e-sabong (online cockfighting) master agent Ricardo Lasco.

He explained that if Totoy files an affidavit implicating police officers, including those already dismissed, the seven will no longer be subject to administrative proceedings and will instead face criminal charges.

Dulay also appealed to the victims’ families to come forward and help strengthen the case against the officers allegedly involved.

Dulay said that regardless of whether an affidavit is filed, the IAS has the authority to conduct a motu proprio investigation.

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

Last Friday, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) announced that it had launched an investigation into Totoy’s claim that law enforcers were involved in the case of the missing sabungeros.

“We agree and support Napolcom’s initiative… We will collaborate with them on this case,” Dulay said./mcm