NAPOLCOM dismisses complaint vs CIDG-NCR over Tondo e-sabong raid

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) on Thursday said it dismissed the complaint against cops in the March 24 operation against an alleged online cockfighting activity in Tondo, Manila.

In a statement, the NAPOLCOM said, "The complaint, initiated by officials of the said cockpit arena following the operation, underwent a comprehensive and impartial investigation by the Commission’s Inspection, Monitoring, and Investigation Service (IMIS).”

“After a meticulous evaluation of the records, evidence, and applicable laws, the Commission found no probable cause to hold the respondent police personnel administratively liable.”

NAPOLCOM Commissioner Ralph Calinisan emphasized that the agency will not tolerate the use of administrative complaints to harass law enforcement personnel performing their duties.

“NAPOLCOM will not allow itself to be used as an instrument for harassment against police officers who are lawfully discharging their sworn duties,” Calinisan said.

“While we remain resolute in our mandate to discipline erring personnel within the PNP, we are equally committed to protecting our officers from baseless and retaliatory complaints. Upholding justice means ensuring accountability where warranted—and protection where deserved,” he added.

On March 24, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR) arrested 174 individuals at the Coliseo De Manila in connection with illegal e-sabong operations.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier denied allegations that its personnel took money during the raid.

PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño clarified the actions of a police officer seen in CCTV footage during the March 24 operation.

“Ang nasabi po na posisyon na ginawa po ng ating operatiba ay hindi po pangungupit ng pera kundi pagkuha ng ebidensya, partikular ng bet ticket, nang siya ay nakapasok na,” Tuaño earlier said.

(The movement of our operative was not theft of money but the retrieval of a bet ticket as evidence after he had already entered.)

“Nang marekober niya na po ang bet ticket, siya po ay sumenyas sa kanyang mga kasamahan. Ito po ang tinatawag nating pre-arranged signal,” he added.

(After recovering the bet ticket, he signaled his colleagues. This is what we call a prearranged signal.)—VAL, GMA News