DOJ to file charges vs. 3 cops over missing e-sabong agent

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday announced that it will file charges against three members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in connection with the disappearance of an e-sabong agent in 2021.

According to the DOJ, the information against Police Staff Sergeant Daryl Panghangaan, Patrolman Roy Navarete, and Patrolman Rigel Brosas for robbery and kidnapping will be filed at the San Pablo City Regional Trial Court.

This stemmed from the alleged abduction of e-sabong agent Ricardo Lasco from his home in Barangay San Lucas, San Pablo City on August 30, 2021.

“During the preliminary investigation, the Investigating panel finds probable cause against respondents Paghangaan, Navarete, and Brosas for robbery and kidnapping of Lasco,” the DOJ said in a briefer.

“These respondents were identified by the complainants,” it added.

Paghangaan, Navarete, and Brosas, along with others, allegedly arrested Lasco in relation to the crime of large-scale estafa filed against him.

His relatives said the PNP members initially introduced themselves as operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation.

They said they also took several valuables from them.

Other men allegedly involved were Police Lieutenant Henry Sasaluya, Police Master Sergeant Michael Claveria, and several John Does.

However, the DOJ said the complaints against the other respondents were dismissed for lack of probable cause. —KG, GMA Integrated News