At least 15 police officers are currently under restrictive custody in connection with their alleged involvement in the case of missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts), the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed on Monday.

In a press briefing, PNP chief Gen. Nicholas Torre III said the police organization is working closely with the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) to conduct a thorough investigation.

“Yes, we have placed several personnel under restrictive custody pending the investigation on the missing sabungeros. That we can confirm,” Torre told reporters.

“We have partnered with NAPOLCOM for the in-depth investigation of this case to ensure transparency and impartiality and to ensure that really the ends of justice will be achieved.”

Torre confirmed that the officers involved, the highest-ranking of whom holds the rank of lieutenant colonel, are currently being held at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

The petty cash vouchers mentioned in the affidavit of the whistleblower in the missing sabungeros case have also been submitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

“Considering that this is now already under preliminary investigation under the DOJ and really the SOJ on top of this, I would defer the answering to those details,” Torre noted.

However, Torre clarified that the names listed on the petty cash vouchers do not completely match the names of all 15 officers.

“Not all of them. The matches aren’t perfect because the 15 names come from various sources, not just the petty cash vouchers. While the names aren’t an exact match, most of them are the same,” he explained.

Torre emphasized that the participation of the officers is subject to both administrative and criminal investigations.

“In the interest of fair play, we will give them a chance to answer the complaints against them. But one thing is for sure, we will not give them a chance to play our justice system,” he said.