The remaining complainants in the missing sabungeros case have filed administrative complaints before the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) against two police officers accused of allegedly facilitating contact between witnesses and dismissed policemen linked to the controversial disappearances.
During a press briefing at the NAPOLCOM Central Office in Quezon City, the five complainants identified Police Lieutenant Nadame Malang, spokesperson of the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), and Police Major Reynaldo Pañebe Jr. of the PNP Custodial Center as the officers who supposedly helped arrange their visit to detained policemen inside Camp Crame.
The complainants claimed the detained officers were among those earlier ordered dismissed by NAPOLCOM over their alleged involvement in the missing sabungeros case.
They also alleged that several original complainants had already withdrawn from the case after supposedly receiving monthly financial support amounting to P40,000 in exchange for backing out of the complaints.
According to the complainants, they were allegedly approached before the visit by lawyer Caroline Cruz, who was reportedly representing the camp of businessman Atong Ang, and were encouraged to speak with the detained officers.
Following the allegations, NAPOLCOM Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan immediately ordered the Commission’s Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service to conduct a motu proprio investigation into the possible administrative liability of the involved police personnel.
Calinisan stressed that any attempt to influence complainants or interfere with the investigation would not be tolerated.
“Maraming salamat sa tiwala ninyo sa NAPOLCOM. Susuklian po namin ito ng patas, mabilis, at tamang pag-iimbestiga. Wala po kaming ibang agenda kundi ilabas ang katotohanan at ibigay ang hustisyang inaasahan ng taumbayan,” Calinisan said.
He added that the Commission remains committed to accountability and discipline within the police organization.
NAPOLCOM also recalled that it had previously ordered the dismissal of 12 police personnel allegedly linked to the missing sabungeros controversy after finding substantial evidence for multiple counts of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
Eleven officers were meted the penalty of dismissal from service, while the dismissal of one police general was endorsed to the Office of the President for approval.
The Commission assured the public that all complaints connected to the missing sabungeros case would continue to be investigated impartially and without fear or favor.