NAPOLCOM: Atong Ang tried to interfere in probe vs cops in missing sabungeros case

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) said Atong Ang attempted to interfere in its investigation into police officers linked to the missing sabungeros case.

NAPOLCOM vice chairperson and executive officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan said Ang was the person he previously referred to when he disclosed in July 2025 that two groups had tried to influence their probe.

“Sa totoo lang, nainsulto ako nung sinubukan akong aregluhin. Kahit maraming pera ang kampo ni Atong Ang, hindi nila tayo kayang bayaran. Atong Ang himself made that call to someone very close to me,” Calinisan said in a statement issued Wednesday.

(The truth is, I felt insulted. Even if Atong Ang's camp has a lot of money, I cannot be bought.)

“Ang tanong, bakit nya kailangang abugaduhin ang ‘mga pulis niya’ sa akin (The question is, why does he have to lawyer for those cops)? Why does he have an interest in this case at siya mismo ang tatawag dun sa taong very close sa akin (that he himself would call the person close to me)? That call says a lot. May sarili akong utak, hindi ako kayang aregluhin. Hindi ako kayang bayaran (I have a mind of my own. I cannot be bought). Justice is not for sale," he added.

Ang’s legal counsel, Atty. Gabriel Villareal, declined to provide a statement as their camp had recently filed motions against the arrest warrants issued against his client.

“I regret that I am unable to accept your invitation for a statement or an interview. I filed late last week motions with the Sta. Cruz, San Pablo and Lipa courts seeking, among others, the quashal and/or deferment of the arrest warrants they issued,” he told GMA News Online in a message.

“As a courtesy to the courts and out of prudence, I wish to refrain from discussing such and related issues in any other forum. I hope you understand,” he added.

The other group was linked to a local government executive, according to Calinisan.

All attempts at intervention in the investigation into the implicated police officers in the missing sabungeros case were rejected, Calinisan said.

"I am disclosing this now, in the spirit of transparency. Heto ang tamang oras para ilahad ko ang detalyeng ito, dahil tapos na kaso namin sa mga pulis na involved (This is the right time to reveal this detail because the case involving the policemen has been resolved)," he said.

Whistleblower

According to Calinisan, Ang made the call on July 12, 2025, shortly after whistleblower Julie Patidongan expressed his intention to file a complaint with NAPOLCOM against the errant police officers. 

The complaint was formally filed on July 14, 2025. 

Despite the alleged attempt to interfere, NAPOLCOM’s Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service (IMIS) proceeded to file formal charges against the respondent policemen on July 29, 2025.

On January 16, 2026, the NAPOLCOM announced that the 11 cops in the missing sabungeros case had been dismissed from the service after they were found guilty of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer:

• Police Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Jay Eliab Orapa
• Police Major Mark Philip Simborio Almedilla
• Police Executive Master Sergeant Aaron Ezrah Lagahit Cabillan
• Police Chief Master Sergeant Arturo Opalla Dela Cruz Jr.
• Police Senior Master Sergeant Joey Natanauan Encarnacion
• Police Senior Master Sergeant Mark Anthony Aguilo Manrique
• Police Senior Master Sergeant Anderson Orozco Abary
• Police Staff Sergeant Alfredo Uy Andes
• Police Staff Sergeant Edmon Hernandez Muñoz
• Police Corporal Angel Joseph Ferro Martin
• Police Staff Sergeant Renan Lagrosa Fulgencio

Also, Calinisan said former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Police Brigadier General Romeo Macapaz was recommended for dismissal for the same offenses. — RSJ/VBL, GMA Integrated News