PNP: Ex-CIDG chief's reassignment not tied to missing sabungeros case

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday denied that the reassignment of former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Police Brigadier General Romeo Macapaz was connected to the high-profile case of missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts).

In a press briefing, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo dismissed speculations that Macapaz was removed from his post due to alleged irregularities in the handling of the controversial case.

“There is no truth na mayroon pong nag-request na tanggalin po siya sa  (that someone has requested his removal at the) CIDG,” said Fajardo. 

“It would be very, very unfair to say that there was a request from the Chief PNP to be removed from the CIDG. I would say this with all certainty — no one and nobody could dictate to the Chief PNP,” she added. 

Also, Fajardo clarified that it was Macapaz himself who requested reassignment to a regional police command, a position typically held by a two-star general, in anticipation of career progression. 

However, due to existing PNP rules, Macapaz cannot be promoted any further, as he has less than one year left before mandatory retirement.

“Hindi na po mapo-promote si General Macapaz. Meron po tayong rule: if you are less than one year [from retirement], ay hindi ka na po mapo-promote (General Macapaz can no longer be promoted. We have a rule that if you are less than one year from retirement, you cannot be promoted),” she said.

Macapaz's reassignment came amid new tensions in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of 34 sabungeros between 2021 and 2022. 

The families of several victims recently alleged that CIDG personnel had been pressuring them to file charges against whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, a claim that caught the attention of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

“Isa ‘yan sa mga ulat sa amin na may mga kumikilos na ganyan na gustong mangyari. Kaya na-relieve ‘yung service director ng CIDG (Among those reports we received is that there are individuals who wanted that to happen. That’s why the service director of the CIDG was relieved),” Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla earlier said, hinting at internal movements within the CIDG following these reports.

Patidongan had earlier claimed that the missing sabungeros were murdered and buried in Taal Lake. 

He accused businessman Atong Ang of being the mastermind and also implicated actress Gretchen Barretto. Both Ang and Barretto have denied any involvement in the disappearances.

The PNP continues to investigate the case, which has drawn national attention and calls for justice from the victims' families and human rights groups. 

Despite multiple inquiries, the whereabouts of the missing individuals remain unknown.