THE National Police Commission (Napolcom) is investigating several police generals over their possible involvement in the case of the missing sabungeros (cockfight enthusiasts).
In a press conference Thursday, August 7, 2025, Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan said that in line with the order of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., they are digging deeper into the disappearances of the sabungeros, particularly the possible involvement of the police.
He said they are not relying solely on the statement of accused-turned-whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan.
“Sabihin na lang natin 18 ‘yung kinasuhan ni Totoy (Patidongan), 12 ‘yung kinasuhan sa ating legal service pero tuloy-tuloy ang imbestigasyon ng Napolcom. Meron tayong natatalisod pa na ilan pang mga pangalan na hindi pa lumalabas sa kaalaman ng publiko and we are pursuing these names until now,” said Calinisan.
(Let’s just say Totoy [Patidongan] filed charges against 18 people, 12 of whom were charged by our legal service, but Napolcom’s investigation is ongoing. We are uncovering other names that are not yet known to the public, and we continue to pursue these individuals.)
“No stones unturned. Ang instruction ng Presidente simple: mag-imbestiga ng maayos, walang sacred cows. ‘Yun ang ginagawa natin at wala tayong kinakatakutan kahit ano pang ranggo ‘yan. Kasama siguro doon, para aware na rin kayo, may mga heneral tayong iniimbestigahan,” he added.
(No stones unturned. The President’s instruction is simple—conduct a proper investigation, no sacred cows. That’s exactly what we’re doing, and we fear no one, regardless of rank. Just so you know, some generals are under investigation.)
In a resolution dated August 4, 2025, the Napolcom ordered the 90-day suspension of the following police personnel who were implicated by Patidongan in the case of the missing sabungeros:
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 Staff 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 being investigated for alleged grave misconduct, grave neglect of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
The 11 other cops are facing complaints of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
Patidongan claimed that these police personnel were receiving monthly payola ranging from P2 million to P200,000 from businessman and gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang, whom he accused of masterminding the abduction and killing of the missing sabungeros. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)