A ranking official of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) has revealed attempts by two groups to interfere with the ongoing investigation against policemen implicated in the case of the missing sabungeros or cockfighting enthusiasts.
“May dalawang grupo na sinusubukan tayong ayusin. (Two groups are trying to fix us),” Napolcom vice chairman and executive officer Rafael Vincente Calinisan said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.
Calinisan said one attempt was made by a “bossing ng sabong” or cockfighting boss who tried to clear policemen linked to the case, while another attempt was made by the group of a former local government official, “who wants to clear his name.”
Calinisan said he rejected both attempts, adding he told the two groups not to make further attempts to interfere with the Napolcom investigation.
“The order of the President is clear: no cover-ups, no stone unturned,” said Calinisan.
“We at Napolcom will not allow ourselves to be influenced by anyone,” said Calinisan, adding they are not scared of anybody.
Twelve active members of the PNP submitted counter-affidavits to Napolcom last Monday after whistleblower Julie Patidongan linked them to the case.
Patidongan filed administrative charges against the cops before Napolcom last week.
The Napolcom Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service is evaluating the affidavits of the 12 policemen.
Calinisan said the Napolcom will not be deterred by external pressures, adding the commission will allow the evidence to speak for itself.
“This investigation is being handled with the highest degree of integrity. We owe that to the families of the missing individuals and the Filipino people,” he said.
Calinisan also urged individuals who may have information on the case to come forward and assist in the quest to achieve justice.
In a message to reporters yesterday, Calinisan said the “bossing ng sabong” called a person whom the Napolcom official described as “very close to me.”
“He directly asked if I could help the policemen,” said Calinisan. “The reply to him by the person that he called was that he cannot control me.”
He said the caller was also told that the Napolcom investigation will be based on evidence.
“That person then informed me about the said phone call on one occasion,” said Calinisan.
He said the other person who tried to interfere with the investigation is the brother of a former local government executive.
“The said brother texted me directly, giving me ‘information’ on the killings and the alleged involvement of one policeman on the sabong case, and that his brother was also being wrongly implicated,” said Calinisan, adding: “He was trying to imply that his brother was not involved in the case.”
He said the brother later called “a person very, very close to me and asked if I could lawyer for them in the potential criminal case, or if my former law partners could lawyer for them.”
Calinisan said the brother was told that it was not possible.
“I found both approaches insulting,” said Calinisan. “I will decide on these cases based on the evidence at hand, based on our investigations, and ever mindful of due process to all concerned. We will be fair. We will dispose of this case without fear or favor.”
