THE National Police Commission (Napolcom) has imposed a 90-day preventive suspension on 12 police personnel accused of involvement in the case of the missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts).
In a resolution dated August 4, 2025, Napolcom ordered the suspension of the following police personnel:
Police Colonel Jacinto Malinao Jr.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Jay Orapa
Police Major Mark Philip Almedilla
Police Executive Master Sergeant Aaron Ezrah Cabillan
Police Chief Master Sergeant Arturo dela Cruz Jr.
Police Senior Master Sergeant (PSMS) Joey Encarnacion
PSMS Mark Anthony Manrique
PSMS Anderson Abary
Police Master Sergeant (PMSG) Renan Fulgencio
Police Staff Sergeant (PSSg) Alfredo Andres
PSSg Edmon Muñoz
Police Corporal Angel Joseph Martin
Malinao, former director of the Batangas Provincial Police Office, is under investigation for alleged grave misconduct, grave neglect of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
The 11 other officers face complaints for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
The complaint was filed by accused-turned-whistleblower Julie Patidongan.
He said the police personnel, currently under restrictive custody at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, were directly involved in the abduction of the missing sabungeros, who were allegedly accused of cheating, and in the disposal of their bodies in Taal Lake.
Patidongan claimed that the officers had been receiving monthly payola ranging from P200,000 to P2 million from businessman and gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang, whom he identified as the mastermind behind the abduction and killing of the missing sabungeros.
Ang is the owner of the cockpit arenas where the victims were allegedly abducted.
On Friday, August 2, murder and serious illegal detention complaints were filed against Ang and several others in connection with the case. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)