Two Philippine Police Officers Dismissed for Interfering in Cockfighting Case
2 Crame cops axed for meddling in ‘sabungeros’ case

Image: Inquirer
Two police officers from the Philippine National Police were relieved from their duties after being accused of interfering in the investigation of missing cockfight enthusiasts, known as 'sabungeros'. Lt. Nadame Malang and Maj. Reynaldo Pañebe Jr. allegedly facilitated unauthorized meetings between the families of the victims and detained police officers involved in the case.
- 01The officers were relieved from their posts on May 20 following a special order from the Highway Patrol Group.
- 02Families of the missing sabungeros filed an administrative case against Malang and Pañebe for their alleged actions.
- 03Brig. Gen. Rommel Batangan stated that Malang allowed three complainants into the PNP custodial center, although he did not accompany them inside.
- 04A total of 22 individuals, including police officers and gambling tycoon Atong Ang, face multiple counts of kidnapping related to the case.
- 05A whistleblower claims that Ang ordered the kidnappings and that some complainants were allegedly bribed to withdraw their charges.
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Two police officers from the Philippine National Police, Lt. Nadame Malang and Maj. Reynaldo Pañebe Jr., have been relieved of their duties following allegations of misconduct in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of at least 34 cockfight enthusiasts, referred to as 'sabungeros'. Their dismissal on May 20 was prompted by accusations that they facilitated unauthorized meetings between the families of the missing individuals and police officers currently detained in connection with the case. The families of the victims reported these allegations to the National Police Commission, leading to the administrative case against the officers. In a press briefing, HPG director Brig. Gen. Rommel Batangan confirmed that Malang had allowed three complainants access to the custodial center but clarified that he did not accompany them inside. The PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, emphasized that the relief was a procedural move to prevent interference with the investigation. The case involves at least 22 individuals, including police officers and gambling tycoon Atong Ang, who is accused of orchestrating the kidnappings. A whistleblower has alleged that Ang ordered the kidnappings due to cheating in cockfighting games, and there are claims that some complainants were bribed to withdraw their charges.
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The case highlights issues of police corruption and misconduct in the Philippines, affecting public trust in law enforcement.
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