Quezon city: The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has formally filed administrative charges against former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz. He is accused of fabricating a case against a whistleblower involved in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of several 'sabungeros' (cockfight enthusiasts).

According to Philippines News Agency, the Napolcom's Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service (IMIS) has charged Macapaz with grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer. These charges were filed before the Legal Affairs Service, following a pre-charge investigation that found probable cause against him, as stated by IMIS Staff Service Director Edman Pares during a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Pares noted that two other individuals named in the complaint were cleared due to a lack of probable cause. Napolcom Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Commissioner Rafael Calinisan assured that the proceedings would be conducted impartially, emphasizing the commitment to due process without any undue influence or financial interference.

The complaint against Macapaz was initially filed by whistleblower Julie Patidongan, also known as Totoy, and his brother Elakim on August 14. They alleged that Macapaz attempted to implicate them as the masterminds behind the abductions of at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts between 2021 and 2022.

The IMIS complaint further accused Macapaz of obstructing the investigation by unlawfully seizing the mobile phones of the Patidongan brothers and altering key evidence. Macapaz allegedly deleted messages from the devices, actions that reportedly hindered the pursuit of justice in the case of the missing sabungeros.

These alleged acts fall under Presidential Decree 1829, which penalizes obstruction of justice with imprisonment of not less than six months and one day. Napolcom emphasized that such actions also constitute grave misconduct.

Macapaz has stated that he will respond to the accusations before Napolcom. The complaint also highlighted incidents involving the Patidongan brothers, including Elakim's use of a missing victim's ATM card and a video showing Jose escorting another victim who was handcuffed.