NAPOLCOM: 11 cops in missing sabungeros case ordered dismissed over alleged abductions in 2021

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) has ordered the dismissal from the service of 11 police officers allegedly linked to the missing sabungeros over separate alleged abduction incidents in 2021.

In a statement Friday, NAPOLCOM said these personnel from the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit of the National Capital Region Police Office (RDEU-NCRPO) were found guilty of two counts of grave misconduct and two counts of conduct unbecoming of a police officer:

• Police Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Jay Orapa
• Police Major Mark Phillip Almedilla
• Police Senior Master Sergeant Mark Anthony Manrique
• Police Staff Sergeant Edmon Muñoz
• Police Staff Sergeant Robert Allan Raz Jr.
• Police Staff Sergeant Denar Roda
• Police Corporal Alric Natividad
• Police Corporal Reynaldo Seno Jr.
• Police Corporal Ronald John Lanaria
• Patrolman Rufino Panghulan
• Patrolman Develyn Tapalla

GMA News Online has asked the Philippine National Police (PNP) for its comment as well as for the statement of the concerned cops but the organization has yet to respond as of posting time. 

The administrative case stemmed from complaints filed on September 3, 2025 by Milagros Estacio and Elizabeth Sotto, who accused the cops of abducting their sons during separate anti-drug operations in 2021. 

Complainants earlier raised possible links between the incidents and the disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts. 

In its ruling, the Commission En Banc found that the respondents acted in conspiracy in two separate incidents: the abduction of Dane Mark Carlos in Manila on February 17, 2021 and the kidnapping of Charles Dean Sotto in Las Piñas City on March 24, 2021.

For NAPOLCOM, kidnapping is classified as a grave offense under its rules and is punishable under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code.

NAPOLCOM Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan underscored the seriousness of the violations, saying abuses committed by police officers represent a betrayal of public trust and will not be tolerated. — RSJ, GMA News