PNP reassigns Macapaz to Soccsksargen, denies link to missing sabungeros

The Philippine National Police (PNP) clarified on Thursday that former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief, Brigadier General Romeo Macapaz, was reassigned to head the Soccsksargen regional police but not due to the case of missing cockfighting enthusiasts.

Brigadier General Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson, stated during a press briefing that there were no requests for Macapaz's removal from CIDG and it was his personal request to be transferred as an entry-level position for a two-star general due to promotion regulations.

Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla mentioned in a statement that the CIDG service director was relieved after reports surfaced about officers urging families of missing sabungeros to file charges against whistleblower Julie 'Dondon' Patidongan, but Macapaz was not the official being referred to by Remulla.

Macapaz said his team is still verifying information suggesting some police officers are trying to frame Patidongan as the mastermind behind the disappearances, pending further clarification from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

A total of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts have been reported missing between 2021 and 2022, with allegations that they were kidnapped due to match-fixing or cheating in cockfighting games.

Patidongan alleged that the victims are buried in Taal Lake and named businessman Atong Ang as a mastermind, linking actress Gretchen Barretto to the disappearances; both have denied these claims.