‘Totoy’ to name cops linked to ‘sabungeros’ case in Napolcom affidavit
ADVERTISEMENT
Welcome, Kapamilya! We use cookies to improve your browsing experience. Continuing to use this site means you agree to our use of cookies. Tell me more!
‘Totoy’ to name cops linked to ‘sabungeros’ case in Napolcom affidavit
Relatives exit the building after meeting with Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla in his office inside the Department of Justice on January 13, 2023. More than a year has passed since the sabungeros went missing as families continue to seek justice. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News
Relatives exit the building after meeting with Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla in his office inside the Department of Justice on January 13, 2023. More than a year has passed since the sabungeros went missing as families continue to seek justice. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News MANILA — Whistleblower Julie “Totoy” Patidongan is set to file a sworn affidavit before the the National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Monday, formally naming police officers he says are involved in the disappearance of 'sabungeros' or cockfighting enthusiasts—a case that has haunted the public for the past four years.
MANILA — Whistleblower Julie “Totoy” Patidongan is set to file a sworn affidavit before the the National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Monday, formally naming police officers he says are involved in the disappearance of 'sabungeros' or cockfighting enthusiasts—a case that has haunted the public for the past four years.
Napolcom Vice Chairman Ralph Calinisan emphasized the significance of Patidongan’s affidavit, calling it a major development in an otherwise stagnant investigation.
Napolcom Vice Chairman Ralph Calinisan emphasized the significance of Patidongan’s affidavit, calling it a major development in an otherwise stagnant investigation.
“Sobrang importante siya,” Calinisan said. “Una, kasi gugulong na ’yung proseso. Ang pinakaimportante sa lahat eh umandar na at masyado nang matagal ’yung pag-aantay ng taumbayan. Apat na taon na nag-aantay ng hustisya.”
“Sobrang importante siya,” Calinisan said. “Una, kasi gugulong na ’yung proseso. Ang pinakaimportante sa lahat eh umandar na at masyado nang matagal ’yung pag-aantay ng taumbayan. Apat na taon na nag-aantay ng hustisya.”
(It is very important because the process can now start. What is important is for this to move forward because people have been waiting for justice for years)
(It is very important because the process can now start. What is important is for this to move forward because people have been waiting for justice for years)
ADVERTISEMENT
The Napolcom official added that while the case will begin as an administrative matter, it may lead to criminal charges depending on the evidence.
The Napolcom official added that while the case will begin as an administrative matter, it may lead to criminal charges depending on the evidence.
“We will investigate… we will do the proper process for the case of 'Totoy' within 60 days,” he said.
“We will investigate… we will do the proper process for the case of 'Totoy' within 60 days,” he said.
Calinisan confirmed that the Napolcom will not be merely recommending action but will directly hear the case.
Calinisan confirmed that the Napolcom will not be merely recommending action but will directly hear the case.
The investigation will involve formally charging the accused officers, comparing their responses to Patidongan’s allegations, and weighing all the evidence—all within the 60-day timeline.
The investigation will involve formally charging the accused officers, comparing their responses to Patidongan’s allegations, and weighing all the evidence—all within the 60-day timeline.
Calinisan acknowledged the gravity of the accusations and the potential involvement of high-ranking officials.
Calinisan acknowledged the gravity of the accusations and the potential involvement of high-ranking officials.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Kung inosente ang mga pulis na ito, absweltohin natin. Pero kung sila ay guilty, dapat silang managot.”
“Kung inosente ang mga pulis na ito, absweltohin natin. Pero kung sila ay guilty, dapat silang managot.”
(If the police are innocent, they will be cleared. But if they are guilty, they should be held accountable)
(If the police are innocent, they will be cleared. But if they are guilty, they should be held accountable)
When asked how high up the alleged involvement goes, Calinisan said he has yet to read the affidavit but initial reports suggest the network could reach even the top ranks of the police force.
When asked how high up the alleged involvement goes, Calinisan said he has yet to read the affidavit but initial reports suggest the network could reach even the top ranks of the police force.
PENALTIES AND PROCESS
If proven guilty of grave misconduct, police officers could face penalties ranging from suspension to outright dismissal, with multiple counts likely if more than one sabungero was affected.
If proven guilty of grave misconduct, police officers could face penalties ranging from suspension to outright dismissal, with multiple counts likely if more than one sabungero was affected.
However, Calinisan was clear: due process will be followed.
However, Calinisan was clear: due process will be followed.
ADVERTISEMENT
While Patidongan is currently under the Philippine National Police (PNP) protection, Napolcom is also open to coordinating with law enforcement for additional security if necessary.
While Patidongan is currently under the Philippine National Police (PNP) protection, Napolcom is also open to coordinating with law enforcement for additional security if necessary.
JURISDICTION AND URGENCY
Calinisan said that Napolcom's administrative jurisdiction is limited to active-duty officers.
Calinisan said that Napolcom's administrative jurisdiction is limited to active-duty officers.
Once a police officer retires or resigns, the Commission can no longer pursue administrative charges—making swift action critical.
Once a police officer retires or resigns, the Commission can no longer pursue administrative charges—making swift action critical.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) remains the lead agency for any criminal charges. Calinisan confirmed that findings would be shared with the DOJ for any necessary prosecution.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) remains the lead agency for any criminal charges. Calinisan confirmed that findings would be shared with the DOJ for any necessary prosecution.
“We will take the cue from the DOJ," he said, adding the Napolcom is handling the administrative aspect of the case.
“We will take the cue from the DOJ," he said, adding the Napolcom is handling the administrative aspect of the case.
RELATED VIDEO:
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
