Screengrab from NAPOLCOM

The Patidongan brothers have filed an administrative case against Police Brigadier General Romeo Macapaz, the former chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

According to the brothers, their move stems from a desire to bring the truth to light. They claim that affidavits—allegedly pointing to them as masterminds behind the disappearance of several “missing sabungeros” (cockfight enthusiasts)—should be made public. These affidavits, they say, are in the hands of the CIDG.
When asked why they pursued legal action against General Macapaz, one of the brothers replied simply, “We just want the truth to come out. That’s all.”

The case also drew comments from ASEC Eliseo Cruz, who reaffirmed the Department of Justice’s commitment to supporting witnesses. “We are very supportive of our witnesses because they are crucial for the case to prosper in court,” he said. “If there are deviations from the direction of the investigation, that’s when we step in. All actions in the investigation should align with our goal—securing a conviction.”

Cruz added that witnesses, especially those who have come forward after extensive investigative work, must be treated in a manner consistent with the expectations of the investigative process. The DOJ, he emphasized, is ready to assist and accompany witnesses in filing complaints against officials whose actions may have fallen short during the probe.