By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said two people have been arrested for alleged bribery in exchange for the withdrawal of an affidavit against suspects in the missing sabungeros (cockfight aficionados) case.
A report from Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II stated that the two, a man and a woman, were nabbed in an entrapment operation in Barangay Dolores, Taytay, Rizal at about 11 a.m. on Sept. 15.
The operation stemmed from the request for assistance of a relative of one of the missing sabungeros who currently stands as a complainant in the case. The PNP did not identify who among the relatives was approached and how much was offered.
According to the complainant, the two suspects offered a huge sum of money in exchange for the filing of an affidavit of recantation and desistance against key personalities and other respondents in the sabungeros case.
PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., in a statement, said he had already ordered an investigation into the incident and condemned the suspects’ “brazen attempt to obstruct justice.”
“Naniniwala ako na may nag-utos sa dalawang naarestong ito at ito ang aalamin natin (I believe someone ordered these two arrested individuals and we will get to the bottom of this). “We will unmask all those behind this attempt to bastardize our justice system, and we assure the public that we will immediately file cases against them,” he said.
The two suspects are now under the custody of the CIDG and are facing cases for violation of Article 286 (Grave Coercion) of the Revised Penal Code and Presidential Decree 1829 (Obstruction of Justice).
Last month, the Department of Justice filed a complaint for multiple murder and serious illegal detention against gaming tycoon Atong Ang in connection with the disappearance of the sabungeros.
It was whistleblower Julie Patidongan (also known as Dondon or Totoy) who pointed to Ang as the mastermind behind the reported kidnapping-killings. Ang had denied the allegations. (PNA)
