Twelve police officers accused of playing a role in the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts have been placed under preventive suspension for up to 90 days, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) confirmed on Monday, August 4.
The suspension, according to Napolcom Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Atty. Rafael Vicente Calinisan, is meant to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation and protect potential witnesses. “This is a tool by the NAPOLCOM to ensure the safety of witnesses and the integrity of the investigation,” Calinisan told reporters at a press conference.
Among the suspended officers are senior and junior members of the Philippine National Police, including Police Colonel Jacinto Rodriguez Malinao Jr., Police Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Eliab Orapa, and Police Major Mark Philip Cimborio Almedilla. The list also includes nine other personnel ranging from senior master sergeants to police corporals.
The suspensions come on the heels of administrative charges filed last week against the 12 officers. Eleven of them are facing accusations of grave misconduct, irregularities in the performance of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer. Malinao Jr. faces additional charges of grave neglect of duty.
The complaints stem from the affidavit of Julie Patidongan, also known as “Totoy,” who implicated the officers in the alleged abductions and killings of cockfighting fans. Patidongan further claimed that the officers received bribes from businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, who he identified as the mastermind behind the disappearances.
A Napolcom resolution publicly read by Calinisan noted that the officers were allegedly “involved in illegal activities alongside Charlie Chu Hai Ang” and accepted grease money in exchange for protection. Ang has denied the accusations.
The suspended officers have until August 8 to respond to the charges, and a pre-hearing conference is scheduled for August 14. Until then, the suspension order remains in effect—with no salaries disbursed.
The “missing sabungeros” case resurfaced earlier this year after Patidongan claimed the victims, who vanished between 2021 and 2022, were killed and buried in Taal Lake. His revelations prompted the Department of Justice to launch underwater searches and reexamine the possibility of police involvement.
Actress Gretchen Barretto was also named by Patidongan in connection with the case, citing her frequent appearances with Ang. Barretto has denied the claim.
