Ex-CIDG chief suspended 90 days over missing sabungeros case
MANILA, Philippines — The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) on Thursday, August 28, said it imposed a 90-day preventive suspension on the former chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) over his handling of the case of missing sabungeros.
NAPOLCOM Vice Chairperson and Commissioner Rafael Calinisan said that former CIDG Director Romeo Macapaz will be suspended while he is investigated for alleged grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
Calinisan clarified that the preventive measures are not a penalty against Macapaz, but a “protective and procedural measure intended to preserve the integrity of the investigation, prevent any untrue influence or interference in the proceedings, and assure the availability of evidence and witnesses.”
“It serves to protect both public interest and the administrative process while allowing the case to be resolved on its merits in a fair, impartial, and expeditious manner,” Calinisan said.
The complaint against Macapaz was filed by self-proclaimed whistleblower Julie Patidongan, who said that Macapaz allegedly “obstructs, impedes, and frustrates the investigation” of the case of the missing cockfight enthusiasts by “unlawfully taking his cellphone and of his brother Jose Patidongan and refusing to return the same without any valid reasons.”
Calinisan also said that the complaint is for allegedly altering messages on cell phones and concealing SD cards, which are considered material evidence in the case.
Patidongan further argued that a preventive suspension was necessary to prevent a possible miscarriage of justice due to Macapaz's high position and influence as the former director of the CIDG and current Regional Director of Police Regional Office 12.
On July 29, the NAPOLCOM determined that there was probable cause to file charges against 12 police officers in connection with the disappearance of the cockfighting enthusiasts.
RELATED: Napolcom: Admin raps filed vs 12 cops in ‘missing sabungeros’ case
Preliminary investigation. On Wednesday, August 27, Prosecutor General Anthony Fadullon told reporters that the “evaluation” of the missing sabungeros case has been completed and will now proceed to the preliminary investigation.
“Subject to the receipt by the panel of the records, subpoenas will be issued for the conduct of the preliminary investigation on dates to be determined by the panel,” Fadullon said in a message to reporters.
It may be recalled that Patidongan alleged that the missing cockfight enthusiasts were thrown into Taal Lake after being killed.
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