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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Napolcom axes 11 cops, recommends dismissal of ex-CIDG chief over missing sabungeros case

Napolcom axes 11 cops, recommends dismissal of ex-CIDG chief over missing sabungeros case

Published Jan 16, 2026 05:38 pm
National Police Commission (Napolcom) Vice-Chairperson and Executive Officer, Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan (left) announces the dismissal of 11 police officers and recommendation for the removal of Police Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz, former head of the PNP-CIDG, due to their alleged role in the missing sabungeros case during a press briefing at the Napolcom headquarters in Quezon City on Jan. 16, 2025 alongside Napolcom Legal Affairs Service Director Mylene Eguilos-Caluya. (Still photo from Napolcom livestream)
National Police Commission (Napolcom) Vice-Chairperson and Executive Officer, Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan (left) announces the dismissal of 11 police officers and recommendation for the removal of Police Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz, former head of the PNP-CIDG, due to their alleged role in the missing sabungeros case during a press briefing at the Napolcom headquarters in Quezon City on Jan. 16, 2025 alongside Napolcom Legal Affairs Service Director Mylene Eguilos-Caluya. (Still photo from Napolcom livestream)
The National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Friday, Jan. 16, recommended the dismissal of a one-star police general while 11 other police officers were removed from the service due to their alleged involvement in the controversial missing sabungeros case.
Recommended for dismissal was Police Brigadier General Romeo J. Macapaz, former head of the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).
Meanwhile, ordered dismissed by the Napolcom were Police Lt. Col. Ryan Jay Orapa, Police Maj. Mark Philip Almedilla, Police Executive Master Sgt. Aaron Ezrah Cabillan, Police Chief Master Sgt. Arturo Dela Cruz Jr., Police Senior Master Sgt. Joey Encarnacion, Police Senior Master Sgt. Mark Anthony Manrique, Police Senior Master Sgt. Anderson Abary, Police Staff Sgt. Alfredo Andes, Police Staff Sgt. Edmon Muñoz, Police Staff Sgt. Renan Fulgencio, and Police Cpl. Angel Joseph Martin.
Napolcom Vice-Chairperson and Executive Officer,  Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan said the disciplinary actions stemmed from evidence that Macapaz and the 11 commissioned officers unlawfully arrested, seized and retained the cellphones of two brothers of whistleblower Julie Patidongan, identified as Elakim and Jose, during a rescue mission in Cambodia sometime in July 2025.
They were brought back to the Philippines on July 22, 2025.
“[Macapaz] altered and deleted messages from the confiscated cellphones and concealed or caused the loss of SD cards, thereby impairing the availability of crucial evidence related to the missing sabungeros cases,” Calinisan explained.
Julie, who used the aliases “Totoy” and “Dondon”, came forward publicly with detailed allegations linking businessman Atong Ang, several police officers, and other personalities to the disappearances of dozens of cockfighting enthusiasts (sabungeros) from 2021 to 2022.
According to the Napolcom, his brothers are key witnesses to the case and Macapaz, as chief of the CIDG at that time, authorized a rescue and repatriation mission in Cambodia for them.
“But upon arrival, the two Patidongan brothers were arrested and their cellphones were taken. Important evidence was lost. [Macapaz’] acts seriously dishonored the police service, amounting to conduct unbecoming of a police officer,” Calinisan said.
Macapaz was found guilty of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
Aside from dismissal, the Napolcom said accessory penalties that may be meted against him include forfeiture of retirement benefits, cancellation of eligibility, and disqualification from government employment.
Meanwhile, the 11 other police officers were culpable for six counts of grave misconduct and one count of conduct unbecoming of a police officer over their alleged role in the abduction and killing of the cockfight enthusiasts.
They were meted the maximum penalty of dismissal from the police service while accessory penalties include forfeiture of retirement benefits, cancellation of eligibility, and perpetual disqualification from holding any government position.
Due process observed
Napolcom Legal Affairs Service Director Mylene Eguilos-Caluya said that due process was observed in the handling of the two administrative cases involving Macapaz and 11 other police officers linked to the missing sabungeros case.
“The respondents in these cases were given the opportunity to submit or present their evidence and respond to the allegations against them,” she said.
“At the same time, the cases were deliberated not just by a single commissioner but by all the commissioners of the National Police Commission. Every allegation was carefully examined and all evidence was considered for both parties, the prosecution and the respondents,” she added.
Under the law, Eguilos-Caluya noted that administrative cases require substantial evidence. After deliberation, the Commission reached a unanimous decision to impose dismissal from the service, including all accessory penalties, on all respondents in both cases.
However, Calinisan clarified why the penalties differed between the officers as the Napolcom recommended Macapaz for dismissal while the 11 other officers were outright dismissed.
He explained that for police officers with the rank of colonel or higher, presidential clearance is required before their dismissal can take effect.
This is why the Napolcom issued a resolution recommending to the Office of the President the dismissal of Macapaz whereas the 11 other officers, who held ranks below colonel, were immediately axed from the service.
Calinisan also recognized the bravery of the complainants who filed the cases against the police officers.
“Accountability is possible because individuals choose to come forward. Their courage reminds us that speaking out against wrongdoing is not an act of defiance but an act of responsibility to the nation,” Calinisan said.

Related Tags

Napolcom missing sabungeros Patidongan CIDG PNP
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