NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
12 Police Officers Face Dismissal In Missing Sabungeros Case
Photo credit: NAPOLCOM
The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) has ordered administrative sanctions against 12 police officers implicated in the disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts, widely referred to as the missing sabungeros case.
In a resolution approved by the NAPOLCOM En Banc, the Commission found substantial evidence that the officers committed serious violations of police discipline and professional conduct. Eleven of the officers were immediately dismissed from the service, with forfeiture of retirement benefits, cancellation of eligibility, and perpetual disqualification from holding any government post.
The eleven officers found directly culpable are PLTCOL Ryan Jay Orapa, PMAJ Mark Philip Almedilla, PEMS Aaron Ezrah Cabillan, PCMS Arturo Dela Cruz Jr., PSMS Joey Encarnacion, PSMS Mark Anthony Manrique, PSMS Anderson Abary, PSSg Alfredo Andes, PSSg Edmon Muñoz, PCpl Angel Joseph Martin, and PSSg Renan Fulgencio. They were found liable for six counts of Grave Misconduct and one count of Conduct Unbecoming of a Police Officer.
The 12th officer, PBGEN Romeo J. Macapaz, was also found administratively liable for Grave Misconduct and Conduct Unbecoming of a Police Officer. Because of his senior rank, NAPOLCOM has recommended his dismissal to the Office of the President, which has the authority to approve sanctions against officials of his level.
NAPOLCOM explained that the release of the resolutions was carefully timed to ensure that arrest warrants against all respondents could be properly served. Officials emphasized the important role of complainants and witnesses, whose cooperation was crucial in helping the Commission thoroughly review the evidence and reach a fair decision.
While criminal cases against the officers continue in the courts, the administrative sanctions represent a significant step toward accountability in the police force, particularly in cases involving allegations of abduction and misconduct. NAPOLCOM reiterated its commitment to handling complaints with due process, independence, and confidentiality, underscoring that no rank shields officers from administrative accountability.
In a resolution approved by the NAPOLCOM En Banc, the Commission found substantial evidence that the officers committed serious violations of police discipline and professional conduct. Eleven of the officers were immediately dismissed from the service, with forfeiture of retirement benefits, cancellation of eligibility, and perpetual disqualification from holding any government post.
The eleven officers found directly culpable are PLTCOL Ryan Jay Orapa, PMAJ Mark Philip Almedilla, PEMS Aaron Ezrah Cabillan, PCMS Arturo Dela Cruz Jr., PSMS Joey Encarnacion, PSMS Mark Anthony Manrique, PSMS Anderson Abary, PSSg Alfredo Andes, PSSg Edmon Muñoz, PCpl Angel Joseph Martin, and PSSg Renan Fulgencio. They were found liable for six counts of Grave Misconduct and one count of Conduct Unbecoming of a Police Officer.
The 12th officer, PBGEN Romeo J. Macapaz, was also found administratively liable for Grave Misconduct and Conduct Unbecoming of a Police Officer. Because of his senior rank, NAPOLCOM has recommended his dismissal to the Office of the President, which has the authority to approve sanctions against officials of his level.
NAPOLCOM explained that the release of the resolutions was carefully timed to ensure that arrest warrants against all respondents could be properly served. Officials emphasized the important role of complainants and witnesses, whose cooperation was crucial in helping the Commission thoroughly review the evidence and reach a fair decision.
While criminal cases against the officers continue in the courts, the administrative sanctions represent a significant step toward accountability in the police force, particularly in cases involving allegations of abduction and misconduct. NAPOLCOM reiterated its commitment to handling complaints with due process, independence, and confidentiality, underscoring that no rank shields officers from administrative accountability.
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Jan 16, 2026
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