2 ex-cops in kidnap of sabungero surrender

MANILA, Philippines — Two former policemen tagged in the kidnapping of an online cockfighting agent in Laguna have surrendered, the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) of the Phillipine National Police (PNP) announced yesterday.

Rigel Brosas, a former patrolman, and ex-corporal Daryl Paghangaan surrendered to the IMEG’s field unit in Calabarzon on Thursday.

The two were among those who allegedly posed as agents of the National Bureau of Investigation and seized Ricardo Lasco from his residence in Barangay San Lucas in San Pablo City on Aug. 30, 2021.

Another former policeman, Roy Navarette, remains at large.

The PNP Internal Affairs Service had earlier found the three guilty of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

Former Lt. Henry Sasaluya and M/Sgt. Michel Claveria were also dismissed from the service in connection with the case.

However, the charges against Sasaluya and Claveria were dropped for lack of probable cause.

IMEG director Brig. Gen. Warren de Leon said San Pablo Regional Trial Court Judge Luvida Roque issued arrest warrants for kidnapping and serious illegal detention against the three. No bail was recommended.

De Leon said Brosas and Paghangaan surrendered following negotiations with the Calabarzon police.

With the surrender, the PNP is confident that the two former policemen would reveal who ordered them to kidnap Lasco.

Lasco and 33 other online sabungeros were reported missing in 2021.