Romeo Acop was a respected Filipino public servant whose life was defined by discipline, service, and dedication to the country. He served as a police officer, lawyer, and lawmaker, spending decades in public duty. From his early years in the Philippine Constabulary to his leadership role in the House of Representatives, Acop built a reputation as a firm advocate of public order, accountability, and good governance.
This detailed biography explores Romeo Acop’s background, education, career milestones, personal life, and the illness that led to his death. Written in simple English and based on verified facts, this article offers a clear and complete account of his life and legacy.
Biography
Romeo Macusi Acop was born on March 11, 1947, in Sudipen, La Union, Philippines. He grew up in a modest environment where values such as discipline, responsibility, and respect for authority were deeply rooted. These early influences played a strong role in shaping his decision to enter public service.
Acop pursued a military education at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), where he graduated as part of the Magiting Class of 1970. His classmates included future national leaders, reflecting the strong leadership environment of his batch. Military training sharpened his discipline and leadership skills, which later became essential in his police and political careers.
After serving in uniform, Acop decided to deepen his understanding of law. He enrolled at José Rizal University, where he studied law and graduated cum laude in 1986. This academic achievement highlighted his commitment to excellence and prepared him for roles that required both legal knowledge and practical enforcement experience.
Romeo Acop’s background as a soldier, police officer, and lawyer gave him a rare combination of skills. These qualities later defined his work in law enforcement and legislation, earning him respect across different sectors of government.
Career
Romeo Acop’s career spanned more than four decades and included service in the military, police force, and national legislature.
Military and Police Career
Acop began his professional journey in the Philippine Constabulary, where he served from 1970 to 1991. During this period, he gained hands-on experience in national security and law enforcement.
When the Philippine National Police (PNP) was formed, Acop transitioned into the new organization. From 1991 to 2001, he served in several key divisions, including the Criminal Investigation Service Command (CISC), later known as the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), and the Directorate for Comptrollership.
Between 1994 and 1995, Acop served as Chief of the Criminal Investigation Service, holding the rank of Chief Superintendent, equivalent to a brigadier general. His tenure coincided with a challenging time for the police force, marked by public scrutiny and major criminal cases.
In 1995, Acop resigned from his post following controversy related to the Kuratong Baleleng case, a high-profile issue that shook public trust in law enforcement. Later, in 2001, he resigned again along with other senior officers after the resignation of then PNP Chief Panfilo Lacson. These decisions showed his willingness to step aside during times of institutional crisis.
Entry into Politics
After retiring from the police force, Acop entered politics. In 2010, he ran for Representative of Antipolo’s 2nd District. Despite facing strong opponents, he won the election with 32,281 votes, marking the start of his legislative career.
He was re-elected in 2013, winning by a large margin, and again in 2016, when he ran unopposed. His consistent victories reflected strong support from his constituents, who valued his law-and-order background.
In 2019, Acop was term-limited and could not run again. His wife, Resurreccion Acop, ran in his place and won unopposed. After her death in 2021, Acop returned to politics and was elected again in 2022, serving until his death in 2025.
Work in the House of Representatives
As a lawmaker, Acop was known for his focus on public safety and discipline. He served as Chair of the Committee on Public Order and Safety and was a member of several other committees, including Appropriations, Health, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs.
He authored and co-authored 63 House bills, many of which focused on strengthening law enforcement, improving public services, and protecting national security. He was also recognized for his strong work ethic, achieving a perfect attendance record during the 16th Congress.
One of his notable actions was filing a resolution to investigate the planned purchase of nearly 60,000 pistols for the PNP, a deal worth around ₱1.2 billion. This move showed his commitment to transparency and accountability, even when it involved institutions he once served.
Personal Life
Romeo Acop was married to Resurreccion Marrero Acop, who later became his successor as representative. Their marriage was a partnership built on shared public service and commitment to their community. Sadly, Resurreccion passed away in 2021, a loss that deeply affected Acop.
The couple had three children, and Acop was known to be a devoted father. Despite his demanding career, he valued family life and maintained close ties with his loved ones.
Outside politics, Acop was known as a disciplined and private individual. He carried himself with the seriousness of a soldier but was also respected for his calm and thoughtful approach to leadership. His background as a lawyer and police officer shaped his strong views on justice, responsibility, and national service.
Illness & Date
In the later years of his life, Romeo Acop faced serious health challenges. On November 28, 2025, he was discharged from the hospital after undergoing a kidney transplant. The procedure was seen as a hopeful step toward recovery, and many supporters expressed optimism about his health.
However, his condition remained fragile. Less than a month later, on December 20, 2025, Romeo Acop passed away at the age of 78. He died at the Assumption Specialty Hospital and Medical Center in Antipolo, Rizal.
According to reports, the cause of death was a heart attack. His passing marked the end of a long and dedicated life in public service and was widely mourned by colleagues, constituents, and members of the law enforcement community.
Conclusion
Romeo Acop lived a life defined by service, discipline, and commitment to the Filipino people. From his early days as a military officer to his influential role in Congress, he consistently placed public duty above personal comfort. His experience in law enforcement gave him a strong voice in shaping policies on public order and safety.
Though his life ended after a difficult battle with illness, his legacy continues through the laws he helped shape and the people he served. Romeo Acop remains remembered as a soldier of the law, a principled lawmaker, and a public servant who stayed true to his values until the end.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was Romeo Acop?
Romeo Acop was a Filipino police officer, lawyer, and politician who served as Representative of Antipolo’s 2nd District for several terms.
2. What was Romeo Acop’s profession before politics?
Before entering politics, he served in the Philippine Constabulary and the Philippine National Police and later worked as a lawyer.
3. How long did Romeo Acop serve in Congress?
He served from 2010 to 2019 and again from 2022 until his death in 2025.
4. What illness did Romeo Acop have?
He underwent a kidney transplant in November 2025 and later suffered a fatal heart attack.
5. When did Romeo Acop die?
Romeo Acop died on December 20, 2025, at the age of 78 in Antipolo, Rizal, Philippines.
Peter Charles is a journalist and writer who covers battery-material recycling, urban mining, and the growing use of microreactors in industry. With 10 years of experience in industrial reporting, he explains new technologies and industry changes in clear, simple terms. He holds both a BSc and an MSc in Electrical Engineering, which gives him the technical knowledge to report accurately and insightfully on these topics.
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