Napolcom probes police generals for possible ties to ‘sabungeros’ case

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency

FILE: National Police Commission (Napolcom) Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan and Whistleblower Julie Patidongan, alias “Totoy” answer questions from the media after Patidongan filed administrative complaints against 12 cops before Napolcom on Monday (July 14, 2025). (PNA photo by Lloyd Caliwan)

MANILA – The National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Thursday said they are also looking into several police generals for their possible involvement in the disappearance of “sabungeros” or cockfight enthusiasts.

In a press conference at the Napolcom headquarters in Quezon City, Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan said they do not solely rely 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 tuluy-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 (Let’s just say that 18 were charged by Totoy Patidongan, 12 were charged by our legal service. But the Napolcom’s investigation is ongoing. We still have a few more names that have not yet appeared in public knowledge and we are pursuing these names until now),” said Calinisan.

Calinisan said in line with the order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., they are digging deeper into the disappearances of the missing sabungeros, particularly into the possible involvement of police personnel.

“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 (The President’s instruction was simple, investigate properly, there should be no sacred cows. That’s what we’re doing and we’re not afraid of anyone, no matter what the rank is),” he said.

“Kasama siguro doon para aware na rin kayo may mga heneral tayong iniimbestigahan. So sa Tagalog antay ka lang sir, nasa chapter 1 pa lang tayo, may chapter 2 (Just so you are aware. We are also investigating a number of generals. So in Tagalog, just wait, sir. We are only in chapter 1, there is chapter 2),” he added.

Last Monday, the Napolcom suspended for 90 days the 12 police officers tagged by Patidongan in the case.

Those ordered suspended were:

• Col. Jacinto Malinao Jr.
• Lt. Col. Ryan Jay Orapa
• Maj. Mark Philip Almedilla
• Executive M/Sgt. Aaron Ezrah Cabillan
• Executive M/Sgt. Arturo dela Cruz Jr.
• Senior M/Sgt. Joey Encarnacion
• Senior M/Sgt. Mark Anthony Manrique
• Senior M/Sgt. Anderson Abary
• M/Sgt. Renan Fulgencio
• Staff Sgt. Alfredo Andres
• Staff Sgt. Edmon Muñoz
• Cpl. Angel Joseph Martin

Malinao, the former director of 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 for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

The resolution pointed out that the preventive suspension is not tantamount to a finding of culpability on the part of the policemen.