15 cops tagged in missing sabungeros’ case under ‘restricted duty’ – Remulla

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, representatives from DILG, NBI and PNP meet the families of the victims (missing sabungeros). (File photo from DOJ–PIO)

MANILA, Philippines — Fifteen police officers allegedly involved in the case of the missing sabungeros (cockfighting aficionados) have been placed under “restricted duty,” said Justice Sec. Jesus Crispin Remulla.

Remulla made the pronouncement in a chance interview at the Department of Justice (DOJ), where he bared that 15 police are being investigated after they were tagged as the “executioners” in the case of the sabungeros who disappeared.

READ: Remulla: Atong Ang, Gretchen Barreto to be named suspects in missing sabungeros’ case

“There are now restrictions on 15 members of the Philippine National Police involved in the missing sabungeros’ case,” Remulla told reporters.

“They are now on restricted duty and are required to report to designated offices so they can no longer participate in operations,” he added.

Meanwhile, Remulla said that whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan is currently under the protection of PNP led by police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre himself.

It was Patidongan who tagged businessman Atong Ang as the mastermind behind the missing sabungeros, and even linked actress Gretchen Barretto to the disappearances. /apl