PNP Awaits Suspension Order on Romeo Macapaz
Former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) director Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz has yet to receive the suspension order from the National Police Commission (Napolcom), officials reported. The exact four word keyphrase “suspension order from Napolcom” appears early in this report as the Philippine National Police (PNP) clarifies the situation.
Macapaz’s Status Remains Unchanged
Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, PNP public information office chief, confirmed that Macapaz, who currently leads the Police Regional Office in Soccsksargen, has not officially received any suspension order, whether preventive or administrative. “He has not officially received whatever suspension order, whether it is preventive or administrative,” Tuaño said during a briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
Macapaz was seen recently at Camp Crame for the PNP’s first command conference under acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., further fueling speculation about his suspension status. However, local authorities reaffirm that no formal suspension has been served yet.
Napolcom’s Preventive Suspension Order
Sources noted that Napolcom announced a preventive suspension order against Macapaz last Thursday. The order stems from allegations that he tampered with the investigation involving abducted cockfighting enthusiasts, locally known as sabungeros.
Despite this, Brig. Gen. Tuaño emphasized the PNP’s commitment to respect and comply with any decisions issued by Napolcom. “The Chief PNP’s guidance is that, whatever the decision will be for General Macapaz, the Philippine National Police will honor and serve it,” he added.
Complaint Filed by Whistleblower’s Family
Community members reported that the complaint against Macapaz was filed by Elakim Patidongan, brother of whistleblower Julie Patidongan, also known as Dondon or Totoy. The complaint was lodged last August 14, accusing Macapaz of deleting data from their phones during the CIDG’s repatriation of Elakim and his brother Jose from Cambodia on July 22.
The Patidongan family alleged that Macapaz took their mobile devices and erased crucial information related to the ongoing investigation of the sabungeros case. These actions have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the investigation.
Administrative Charges Filed Against Macapaz
Officials confirmed that Napolcom has filed administrative charges against Macapaz for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer. These charges are directly linked to the allegations brought forward by the Patidongan family.
The case continues to unfold as authorities await further developments. Meanwhile, Macapaz remains in his post without formal suspension, pending the official delivery of the order by Napolcom.
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