Napolcom supports restrictive custody for 15 cops in sabungero abduction case

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) supports placing 15 police officers, implicated in the abduction of cockfighting enthusiasts (sabungeros), under restrictive custody at Camp Crame.

Of the 15 officers, 11 are on active duty, one is retired, and three were dismissed prior to being tagged in the case.

Napolcom also backs placing whistleblower Julie Patidongan, also known as Totoy, under protective custody.

Patidongan had previously alleged police involvement in the kidnapping and killing of sabungeros, with claims that businessman Atong Ang had police officers on his payroll.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now open to the possibility of making the 15 cops under restrictive custody as state witnesses in the ongoing investigation.

PNP chief Police General Nicolas Torre III stated that this would be a welcome development if any of the officers volunteer to tell all, though the investigation can proceed even without their cooperation.

Napolcom has also received feelers from various individuals and hopes these will materialize into affidavits that can aid the investigation.