The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Tuesday that a preliminary report regarding the administrative case against 15 police officers linked to the disappearance of “sabungeros” (cockfight aficionados) is expected to be released before the end of the week.
“Kinonfirm na rin niya na nandito sa Camp Crame yung 15 pending investigation and we will be expecting na bago matapos itong linggo na ito, yung admin case na ikinakasa laban sa kanila ay possible matapos yung report at makikita natin doon sa report kung sinu-sino ang kakasuhan ng admin case with respect sa mga kaso ng mga sabungero (PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre has confirmed that the 15 pending investigations are here in Camp Crame and we expect that before the end of this week, the administrative case that was filed against them is possible after the report and we will see in the report who will be charged with the administrative case with respect to the cases of the sabungeros),” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo stated during a press briefing at Camp Crame.
Fajardo noted that while the PNP is prepared to assist the Department of Justice (DOJ) with the criminal case, the chief of the PNP has deferred legal actions to the DOJ.
Whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as Totoy, remains a witness in the case and is currently under PNP protective custody. Fajardo mentioned that investigators are actively seeking additional witnesses to corroborate statements and conduct thorough fact-checking.
“We are not limiting our investigation because we need to corroborate ‘yong mga statements just to conduct fact-checking, and also to vet kung ano ‘yong mga information being provided by alyas Totoy (the statements for fact-checking and vetting of the information being provided by alias Totoy) because we cannot heavily rely on one source only,” she explained.
The PNP is also securing other potential sites where the bodies of the missing sabungeros may have been disposed of, aside from Taal Lake. However, police are withholding information about these sites to prevent any preemptive actions by those involved in the case.
“We don’t want those possible involved in this case na ma-preempt. Baka kapag nasabi namin ‘yon eh baka hindi pa namin napupuntahan ‘yong mga posibleng hukay at pinagtabunan at possibleng pinaglagyan no’n ay baka mauna na sila doon at alisin ‘yong mga posibleng remains and possible pieces of evidence na maaari pa nating ma-recover (We don’t want this to get preempted. If we disclose those sites before we get there, they might beat us to it and remove the possible remains and pieces of evidence we could still recover),” Fajardo stated.
Meanwhile, National Police Commission (Napolcom) Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan expressed his approval of Patidongan being under the protective custody of the PNP, emphasizing the importance of his safety as he has crucial information to share.
“I am happy to know that Totoy is in the protective custody of the Philippine National Police. His safety is of paramount importance as he has a story to tell to the nation. I am also happy that the PNP, alongside the DOJ, took the initiative to put the policemen allegedly involved into restricted custody. This would ensure that they will be able to air out their side during the course of our proceedings, by filing their counter-affidavits or their answers. This would also ensure their own safety,” Calinisan stated.
He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Napolcom, PNP, and DOJ, expressing optimism for continued smooth cooperation under the leadership of PNP Chief Gen. Torre. Calinisan highlighted the importance of promoting the morale and welfare of police officers while rebuilding public trust in the police force.