Napolcom suspends police general amid 'missing sabungeros' probe

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) granted the request to suspend a police general who led the operation to arrest the two brothers of "missing sabungeros" whistleblower Julie Patidongan in Cambodia last month.

- By AARON RECUENCO

The suspension of Police Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz was based on the complaint of Ellakim Patidongan who claimed that the former obstructed the investigation into the missing sabungeros when he and his brother's cellphones were confiscated after their arrest.

"This resolves the request for preventive suspension incorporated in the Sinumpaang Salaysay ng Pagrereklamo of Complainant Ellakim Tadulan Patidongan... against PBGen Romeo J. Macapaz," the Napolcom resolution said.

"Wherefore, premises considered, the Motion for Preventive Suspension filed by Complainant Ellakim T. Patidongan is hereby Granted and thus, PBGen Romeo J. Macapaz is hereby placed under preventive suspension for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days, effective immediately upon receipt of this Resolution," it added.

Elakim was the one who withdrew from the ATM account of missing sabungero Melbert John Santos while his brother Jose was seen in a CCTV camera as among those who escorted another missing sabungero, Michael Bautista, being escorted before the latter's disappearance.