12 cops suspended for missing sabungeros

Twelve police officers have been suspended for 90 days in connection with the disappearances of cockfighting enthusiasts, with authorities continuing to recover human remains in Taal Lake believed to be those of the missing sabungeros.

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) found a "substantial legal and factual basis" to grant the motion for preventive suspension filed by whistleblower Julie Patidongan.

Napolcom vice chairman and executive officer Rafael Calinisan stated that the gravity of the charges, the preliminary showing of strong evidence of guilt, and the necessity to safeguard the integrity of the proceedings justify the suspension.

The suspended officers include Lt. Col. Ryan Jay Orapa, Maj. Mark Philip Almedilla, and Col. Jacinto Malinao Jr., among others.

Cases for grave misconduct, irregularities in duty performance, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer have been filed against them.

Calinisan emphasized that the preventive suspension is a procedural safeguard, not a finding of guilt, intended to ensure an impartial probe and prevent interference with witnesses or tampering with evidence.