The National Police Commission (Napolcom) ordered an immediate investigation on the alleged involvement of several police officers in the disappearance of the cockfighting aficionados from 2021 to 2022.

Rafael Vicente Calinisan, vice chairperson and executive pfficer of the National Police Commission (Napolcom), directed the Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service (IMIS) to conduct a motu proprio investigation into the alleged involvement of several police officers in the disappearance of more than 100 cockfighting enthusiasts.

Calinisan assures that Napolcom will not hesitate to remove from service any police personnel found to have colluded with the group allegedly responsible for killing the victims and dumping their bodies in Taal Lake, located in Batangas.

Napolcom ordered the conduct of investigation following the revelation of a witness who is now under the protection of the Department of Justice.

The witness, identified as Totoy, linked certain police officers, a security guard from a cockfighting arena in Manila, and a showbiz personality allegedly connected to the mastermind behind the crime.

Calinisan also called on "the complainant?or any other complainants?to file a formal complaint with Napolcom to expedite the resolution of the case, in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Philippine National Police?Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG)."

"I am appealing to Alias Totoy to appear and submit his Complaint Affidavit with the NAPOLCOM, so we can investigate and hear this case with absolute dispatch. There needs to be swift justice, and we will not hesitate to dispense swift justice," he said.

“To clarify, the case to be filed with the NAPOLCOM, if any, would be an administrative one, to determine the fitness of the policemen involved to remain in police service. In the event that they are deemed liable, the NAPOLCOM may impose suspension, demotion, or even dismissal from the service against erring cops,” Calinisan added. Robina Asido/DMS