The National Police Commission (Napolcom) announced on July 9 that it has received crucial information regarding the disappearance of cockfighters (sabungeros), a case that has remained a mystery for several months. Attention is now focused on whether this new information will provide the breakthrough needed to resolve the long-standing case.
Napolcom Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan stated in an interview with reporters on Wednesday, "We are receiving tips through various channels." He refrained from providing specific details about the information or its sources but emphasized that Napolcom is prepared to ensure the safety of informants should they decide to cooperate with the investigation.
Calinisan added that the informants contacted Napolcom in "very creative ways," noting that some are willing to share what they know about the case, and one individual has even expressed a willingness to testify. He indicated the significance of the information by saying, "Those trying to approach us seem to have deep knowledge. There is one person who might testify, and many others providing different information. The content has substance, and that substance is very shocking."
Napolcom and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are also awaiting the submission of an affidavit from whistleblower Julie "Dondon" Paticdongon (alias Totoi). Paticdongon previously claimed that approximately 15 police officers were involved in the missing cockfighters case. Paticdongon is currently under PNP protection, and the implicated police officers have been placed under disciplinary detention. Calinisan expressed regret that he has not yet received Paticdongon's official affidavit, adding, "We know the story roughly, but we don't have a single affidavit in official document form yet."
The disappearance of the cockfighters has been a mystery shaking Philippine society since early 2022. At that time, more than 30 cockfighters vanished across the Philippines, most of whom were known to have lost significant money in online cockfighting matches or were involved in related matters. Some of the missing were last seen at specific online cockfighting arenas and have not been heard from since.
The victims' families have consistently appealed to the government and police for help in finding the missing individuals. This case was even the subject of a Philippine Senate hearing, which caused a stir when the potential involvement of some police officers was raised. The immense size of the online cockfighting industry, related vested interests, and illegal elements have complicated the resolution of the case.
Napolcom has launched its own investigation into the incident and has vowed to impose administrative sanctions, including dismissal, on any police officers found guilty. Meanwhile, the Philippine Department of Justice is focusing on criminal investigations. Napolcom's investigation primarily aims to determine whether police officers committed official misconduct, which is expected to have a significant impact on maintaining discipline within the police organization in the future.
The news of Napolcom's acquisition of information raises hopes that it could be a new turning point in the missing cockfighters case, which has been stalled for over two years. As Vice Chairman Calinisan mentioned, if the informants courageously come forward to give statements, the investigation is likely to accelerate, and the full details of the case may be uncovered. Philippine society strongly demands that this case be justly resolved, the whereabouts of the missing be revealed, and all responsible parties be punished.
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