THE Philippine National Police said Tuesday that five Laguna police officials allegedly involved in the kidnapping of an e-sabong executive were sacked from services.
Of the five involved, three of these cops face criminal charges of kidnapping and robbery, namely Police Staff Sergeant Daryl Paghangaan, Patrolmen Roy Navarete and Regil Brosas. The Department of Justice (DOJ) did not find probable cause for the remaining two, Lt. Henry Sasaluya and Master Sergeant Michael Claveria.
“Mayroon na po silang na-file na admin case related sa pagkakasangkot nila doon sa pagdukot dito sa isang master agent nga ng e-sabong noong August 2021 at I understand kakapirma lang ng desisyon para sila ay ma-dismiss na sa serbisyo at hinihintay na lang natin yung official proof of service doon sa mga concerned PNP personnel, lima po ito,” said PNP spokesperson Police Col. Jean Fajardo in an ambush interview with reporters.
Fajardo stated that despite the DOJ not finding probable cause for Sasaluya and Claveria, their admin cases had enough “substantial evidence” to be recommended for dismissal of service.
When asked where the five police officers were, Fajardo said that these cops were currently under the restrictive custody of the Regional Headquarters of the Police Regional Office 4A. However, she did not say if all five are currently there.
Since August 2021, there have been at least 34 reported cases of kidnapping of e-sabong or online cockfighters.
