(Manila, 23rd) — The Philippine National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) yesterday officially filed administrative charges against former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Macapaz, alleging that during the investigation into the disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts, he falsified cases and obstructed justice.
The NAPOLCOM Inspection and Investigation Service stated that a preliminary inquiry found sufficient grounds to file serious neglect of duty and misconduct charges against Macapaz with the Legal Affairs Office. At a press conference at Camp Crame, Quezon City, Investigation Service Director Paredes said that two other named individuals in the case were released due to insufficient evidence.
NAPOLCOM Vice Chairman and Executive Commissioner Kalinisan emphasized that the case will be heard in accordance with due process to ensure fairness and impartiality. He reiterated: “We will not prejudge the case, and will not be influenced by power or money.”
Complainants Julipatitong An (alias Totoy) and his brother Elakim had filed a complaint with NAPOLCOM as early as August 14, accusing Macapaz of trying to falsely implicate them as masterminds in the disappearance of at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts.
The Investigation Service stated in the indictment that Macapaz twice obstructed the investigation in July, including illegally seizing Elakim and another brother Jose's mobile phones and refusing to return them; he is also suspected of deleting key information from the phones to tamper with evidence.
The indictment stated that Macapaz's actions “seriously hindered and impeded progress in the investigation of the cockfighting enthusiasts’ disappearance case, which remains one of the most controversial and unsolved cases in recent years.”
Authorities stressed that these actions violate Presidential Decree No. 1829 regarding obstruction of justice, with a minimum penalty of imprisonment for six months and one day, and also constitute serious neglect of duty.
Macapaz responded that he will defend himself at the NAPOLCOM hearing.
It is known that Elakim was once arrested for using missing person Melbert Santos's ATM card; another brother, Jose, was photographed on April 28, 2021, escorting a handcuffed victim, Michael Bautista, in the Sta. Cruz area of Laguna.