Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), directed a thorough investigation into the alleged “secret meetings” involving relatives of missing sabungeros or cockfight enthusiasts and dismissed police officers tied to the high-profile disappearance case amid concerns over possible interference by active-duty personnel.

Nartatez said he wants to determine whether other police officers helped facilitate the meetings, which surfaced after two policemen were relieved from their posts following complaints filed before the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

“Any action outside of what the PNP should do is not only a betrayal of our mandate but also of the trust and confidence of the people we serve. Let us always allow our moral compass to lead the way towards the integrity and professionalism of our organization,” he said.

The PNP chief said he understands that meetings between parties may happen but he stressed that police intervention in cases already pending before the courts raises serious concerns that require immediate action.

To recall, dozens of cockfighting enthusiasts disappeared between 2021 and 2022 after allegedly being linked to game-fixing operations in online cockfighting or e-sabong. The disappearances triggered Senate inquiries and multiple police investigations.

Families of the missing men have long accused authorities of failing to deliver justice amid allegations that some police officers were involved in abductions and cover-ups.

Recently, two police officers faced complaints before the Napolcom for allegedly arranging a secret meeting between relatives of missing sabungeros and 13 detained policemen linked to the case.

Lt. Nadame Malang, of the Highway Patrol Group, and Maj. Reynaldo Panebe Jr., of the PNP Custodial Center, were accused of interfering in the investigation by facilitating an alleged amicable settlement allegedly through the legal counsel of gambling tycoon Atong Ang, who is being linked to the case.

Nartatez reminded police personnel to stay within the limits of their authority, especially in sensitive investigations that remain under litigation.

He also called on individuals with knowledge about the alleged meetings to cooperate with authorities and help establish the truth behind the incident.

The police organization said its internal investigation will run parallel with the separate probe being conducted by Napolcom.

The PNP noted that the inquiry would proceed “without favoritism” and warned that officers found to have improperly intervened would face accountability under the law.