The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) on Wednesday, September 3, said it is investigating possible links between the disappearance of several cockfight enthusiasts and extrajudicial killings (EJKs), as families of EJK victims filed complaints against police officers allegedly involved in both cases.

At a press briefing, complainant Milagros Estacio, mother of one EJK victim, identified policemen she believes are tied to her sons’ deaths and the missing sabungeros.

“Naniniwala po ako na may kinalaman po yung mga pangyayari sa missing sabungero dahil po sa magkakasama po kaming naghahanap ng hustisya… Nabigla po ako dahil yung mga nakalap po namin na kapulisan ay yun din po yung nakita ko na tinatrabaho namin sa NBI,” Estacio said.

NAPOLCOM Commissioner Ralph Calinisan confirmed that four of the officers were among the 12 policemen placed under 90-day preventive suspension last August 4 for their alleged role in the disappearance of the sabungeros.

“There are at least four names na pareho,” Calinisan said, adding that the matter remains under investigation.

Taal Lake Dumping Ground
Calinisan also raised the possibility that Taal Lake was used as a dumping site for victims of EJKs during the government’s war on drugs.

“Bukod sa dami ng taong nawala, tsaka yung paraan na paano sila nawala… para silang baboy na tinapon na lang sa lawa. Hindi katanggap-tanggap po ito,” he said.

Families of victims expressed hope that with NAPOLCOM’s probe, justice would finally be served.