Ex-CIDG chief Macapaz suspended for ‘obstruction’ in ‘sabungeros’ probe
The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has placed Police Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz under a 90-day preventive suspension for allegedly obstructing the investigation into the case of the missing “sabungeros” when he was still head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
The commission is also looking into the alleged involvement of four more active police officers, including a general, in the abduction and murder of at least 34 cockfighting aficionados and others involved in online cockfighting or “e-sabong.”
In a four-page resolution dated Aug. 22, Napolcom granted the motion for preventive suspension filed by complainant Ellakim Tadulan Patidongan, brother of whistleblower Julie Patidongan (also known as “Dondon” or “Totoy”).
Grave misconduct
In a press conference, Napolcom Vice Chair Rafael Calinisan said Macapaz was facing administrative complaints for grave misconduct, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer, including alleged collusion with police officers implicated in the case.
Napolcom said the complaints, if proven, would constitute severe violations of the norms expected of members of the Philippine National Police.
In a complaint filed on Aug. 14, Ellakim accused Macapaz of taking his and his brother Jose’s mobile phones, deleting data from the devices and concealing SD cards that were considered material evidence in the ongoing investigation.
The incident happened while the CIDG was repatriating them from Cambodia on July 22 for the investigation.
Julie Patidongan had claimed that the missing sabungeros were killed by rogue police officers for rigging live-streamed cockfights.
The Patidongan siblings had also accused Macapaz of making it appear that they masterminded the abductions, which happened between April 2021 and January 2022.
Protective measure
Napolcom said it found “substantial legal and factual basis” to justify the suspension, stressing the seriousness of the charges and the strong evidence presented.
Calinisan clarified that Macapaz’s preventive suspension was not an indication of Napolcom’s decision on the case against him.
“The imposition of preventive suspension is not a penalty but a protective and procedural measure intended to preserve the integrity of the investigation, prevent undue influence or interference in the proceedings, and assure the availability of evidence and witnesses,” Calinisan said.
The commission cited Macapaz’s former role as CIDG chief, noting his influence could unduly affect witnesses and evidence.
Napolcom ordered Macapaz to report directly to the PNP national headquarters in Camp Crame within five days.
‘General’ among 4
The case has implicated several police officers, with 12 already administratively charged. Four more are now facing investigation.
“We are looking into at least four more names here in the National Police Commission for possible involvement,” said Calinisan. “These are names given to us by a possible witness and we are hoping that witness surfaces.”
He declined to name the officers, but said they were of active status and included a general.
“No one is exempt from investigation. If they have participation in the missing sabungeros case, they may be investigated and are being investigated. We do not care about rank. You may be the lowest mammal, you may be the highest mammal, as long as you are involved in the missing sabungeros case, we will look into it,” Calinisan said.
Tampering denied
Macapaz was relieved of his post as CIDG chief on July 28 and transferred to the Police Regional Office Soccsksargen as director.
In a text message to reporters on Thursday, Macapaz said he did not tamper with any evidence but only brought the Patidongan brothers back to the Philippines.
He declined to be interviewed, saying he would respond to the accusations before Napolcom.
Then PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said it was Macapaz who worked to track down the Patidongan brothers overseas and investigated how the two were able to leave the country amid the case.
Ellakim was allegedly caught using the ATM card of victim Melbert John Santos, who went missing in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, on Jan. 13, 2022.
Jose, meanwhile, was seen in a video escorting a handcuffed victim, Michael Bautista, in Sta. Cruz on April 28, 2021. —WITH A REPORT FROM THE PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
