Napolcom summons 12 active cops tagged in missing ‘sabungeros’ case

Personnel from Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) search for the alleged remains of missing sabungeros (cockfighting aficionados), who are believed to have been dumped in Taal Lake. (Niño Jesus Orbeta / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has sent out summons for the 12 active police officers allegedly involved in the abduction of cockfighting aficionados (sabungeros).

Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Calinisan shared the information  in an interview over radio DZBB on Tuesday afternoon, a day after whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan (alias Totoy) filed a complaint-affidavit against 18 police officers.

“As we speak, we are sending out summons to the 12 active policemen. They are being made to answer the complaint filed by Alias Totoy so that they can give their side,” Calinisan said in Filipino.

“The six other police officers, apparently, are dismissed from the police service. By virtue of them being dismissed, we have no jurisdiction over them.” he added.

Calinisan, however, said the six previously dismissed officers may still be held criminally liable through the Department of Justice’s case.

READ: Napolcom: 18 cops implicated in missing ‘sabungeros’ case

Patidongan claimed, in an interview over GMA News last June, that gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang paid off several police officers to kidnap and kill the sabungeros accused of cheating in the games.

Ang strongly denied the allegations, stressing that they were “entirely false and without basis,” and that the claims were causing “irreparable harm in a trial by publicity.”

Ang accused Patidongan of extorting P300 million from him, otherwise he would be implicated in the abductions. / gsg