The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) yesterday formally filed administrative cases against former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz for allegedly fabricating cases against the Patidongan brothers.
This came after whistleblowers Julie and Elakim Patidongan lodged accusations against Macapaz in connection with the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts, collectively known as the ‘missing sabungeros.’
The NAPOLCOM’s Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service (IMIS) filed the charges against the former CIDG chief before the agency’s Legal Affairs Service for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
“Pre-charge investigation, we found probable cause to file an administrative complaint for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer against Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz,” IMIS Staff Service Director Edman Pares told reporters in a press briefing at Camp Crame.
He also clarified that while Macapaz was found liable for administrative charges, two others named in the same complaint were cleared due to lack of probable cause.
NAPOLCOM Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Commissioner Vicente Rafael Calinisan, meanwhile, assured the public that the proceedings will be impartial.
“We are not condemning anyone yet. We will listen. We will have due process. We promise both the respondents and the complainants that their cases will be handled properly,” Calinisan said.
The Patidongan brothers filed a complaint against Macapaz before Napolcom last Aug. 14.
In the complaint, they alleged that the former CIDG chief attempted to paint them as the masterminds behind the abductions of at least 34 missing sabungeros between 2021 and 2022.
Macapaz was accused of deliberately obstructing the ongoing probe of the high-profile case during separate incidents back in July, both in the Philippines and Cambodia, where Elakim was reportedly asked to hide.
According to the charge sheet, Macapaz allegedly seized mobile devices from Elakim and his other brother, Jose.
These actions reportedly led to the deletion of crucial evidence stored in the phones in a deliberate attempt to derail the ongoing investigation.
Authorities noted that the offenses fall under Presidential Decree No. 1829, which penalizes obstruction of justice, carrying an imposable penalty of imprisonment of not less than six months and one day. Napolcom noted that such actions likewise amount to grave misconduct.
Meanwhile, Macapaz said he would face the complaint filed against him by the Commission.
“Sagutin ko nalang po doon sa NAPOLCOM, Sir. [I’ll just answer the charges at the NAPOLCOM, Sir],” he told Manila Standard in a text message.
Macapaz has since been reassigned as director of the PNP in Region 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN).
For his part, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Nicolas Torre III, refused to comment on the case involving one of his top officers, saying he would rather let the matter take its proper course.
“The case is underway, the case is formally now ongoing. I would rather defer to the investigating authorities on the matter,” he said following a command conference at Camp Crame, which included Macapaz.
“I don’t want to preempt this matter. I don’t know what he [Macapaz] will put forward in his defense for these charges,” Torre added.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Napolcom slaps administrative raps vs. Macapaz”
