The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) has ordered the dismissal of 11 police officers over their alleged involvement in the disappearance of several sabungeros, or cockfighting enthusiasts, in a case that has drawn widespread public concern.
In a decision released Friday, the commission found the officers—assigned to the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit of the National Capital Region Police Office—administratively liable for two counts each of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
Those dismissed were led by Lt. Col. Ryan Jay Orapa and Maj. Mark Phillip Almedilla, along with nine other personnel ranging from senior non-commissioned officers to patrolmen.
The administrative complaints stemmed from cases filed in September last year by Milagros Estacio and Elizabeth Sotto, who accused the policemen of involvement in the abduction of their sons in 2021. According to the অভিযোগ, Dane Mark Carlos was kidnapped in Manila on February 17, 2021, while Charles Dean Sotto was seized in Las Piñas City on March 24 of the same year.
Both victims are among dozens of sabungeros who remain missing. A whistleblower, Julie Patidongan, previously alleged that around 100 individuals linked to cockfighting were abducted and claimed they were killed and disposed of in Taal Lake.
Napolcom said the officers’ actions violated its rules under Memorandum Circular No. 2016-002, which classifies kidnapping as a form of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer. The commission emphasized that such acts undermine public trust and tarnish the integrity of the police force.
It added that the offenses were committed while the officers were in active service and under the color of authority, describing their actions as a serious abuse of power and a betrayal of the public they were sworn to protect.
Given the severity of the violations, Napolcom imposed the maximum administrative penalty of dismissal from service.
Napolcom Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan said the ruling underscores the commission’s commitment to holding erring officers accountable.
He stressed that abuses committed by law enforcers carry greater responsibility, warning that the police uniform must never be used to intimidate or exploit civilians. Calinisan added that enforcing accountability is key to rebuilding public confidence in the police institution.