📷: B/Gen. Romeo Macapaz
The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has ordered a 90-day preventive suspension against former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Brigadier General Romeo Macapaz, citing serious administrative complaints linked to the unresolved case of the missing sabungeros.
Napolcom Executive Director and Vice Chairperson Rafael Vicente Calinisan announced the resolution during a press briefing on Thursday, stating that Macapaz is being investigated for allegedly obstructing justice and tampering with key evidence.
The complaint was filed by Elakim Patindongan, brother of whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, who accused Macapaz of unlawfully confiscating mobile phones belonging to him and his brother Jose. These devices reportedly contained critical evidence related to the disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts.
“Respondent (Macapaz) altered messages contained in the cellphones by deleting some of the messages. He even allegedly concealed the SD cards of the cellphones despite knowing that these are material evidence in the missing sabungeros case,” the Napolcom resolution stated.
Napolcom emphasized that the suspension is not a declaration of guilt, but a necessary measure to safeguard the integrity of the investigation and prevent undue influence.
The complaint is part of a broader probe into multiple police officers allegedly involved in the disappearance and possible execution of the sabungeros.
Macapaz is member of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) “Patnubay” Class of 1995.
He was removed as CIDG Director and transferred to PRO12 on July 31, 2025 amid criticisms from Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on the CIDG’s probe on the missing sabungeros case.
Macapaz was also mentioned in connection with the Senate’s investigation into the case of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo last year.
Senate resource person Mary Ann Maslog, atextbook scam suspect, testified that Macapaz, then officer-in-charge of the PNP Intelligence Group, tapped her to help convince Guo to surrender.
She said she was chosen because of her alleged connection to Sual, Pangasinan Mayor Liseldo “Dong” Calugay, whom she claimed had a personal relationship with Guo
Macapaz, however, contradicted Maslog’s claim, saying it was the latter who offered her help to the PNP-IG. (ZIA LUNA)
