MANILA, Philippines – The National Police Commission (Napolcom) dismissed 11 police officers and personnel linked to the missing sabungeros case after they were found guilty of six counts of grave misconduct and one count of conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

Apart from dismissing them from the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Napolcom also punished the cops with penalties of “forfeiture of retirement benefits, cancellation of eligibility, and perpetual disqualification from holding any government positions.”

The dismissed cops are:

• Police Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Jay Orapa
• Police Major Mark Philip Almedilla
• Police Executive Master Sergeant Aaron Ezrah Cabillan
• Police Chief Master Sergeant Arturo dela Cruz Jr.
• Police Senior Master Sergeant (PSMS) Joey Encarnacion
• PSMS Mark Anthony Manrique
• PSMS Anderson Abary
• Police Staff Sergeant (PSSg) Alfredo Andes
• PSSg Edmon Muñoz
• PSSg Renan Fulgencio
• Police Corporal Angel Joseph Martin

The Napolcom said it found substantial evidence to hold the cops administratively liable for the disappearance of the cockfighting aficionados.

The commission, in charge of overseeing the PNP, said the cops were found liable “for serious violations of police discipline and professional conduct.”

Meanwhile, apart from the 11 cops, the Napolcom also recommended to the Office of the President that Police Brigadier General Romeo Macapaz be held administratively liable for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

Like the other cops, Macapaz could also be dismissed from service and his retirement benefits may also be forfeited. Per rules, the sanctions against police colonels and generals are subject to Malacañang’s approval.

“Kami ay handa at kaya naming ilabas ang desisyon within 60 days. Sa katotohanan niyan, ready nga ho kami, ngunit nanghihingi po kami ng pang-unawa ng taumbayan kasi wala pa po ‘yung mga warrants of arrest,” said Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan.

(We are ready, and we could release the decision within 60 days. In reality, we are ready, but we ask for patience from our fellow countrymen because the warrants of arrest have yet to be issued at the time.)

Apart from the administrative cases, Orapa, Encarnacion, Cabillan, Manrique, Abary, Andes, and Muñoz are also included in the kidnapping cases pending before regional trial courts. They are also subjects of a warrant of arrest issued by the Santa Cruz, Laguna RTC. – Rappler.com