Department of Justice prosecutors have asked a Manila court to reconsider its decision allowing six individuals implicated in the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts to post bail for temporary release.

Justice Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Atty. Mico Clavano said they are considering other legal options, like elevating the case to a higher court if the Manila Regional Trial Court thumbs down their move.

"We filed a motion for reconsideration because we believe it is not right to grant them bail and let them go back to freedom. We believe we have a strong case," Clavano said.

"As far as the Department is concerned, the evidence is substantial. So, we filed the motion for reconsideration and will explore other legal remedies if we still don't obtain a favorable court decision," he added.

The suspects, namely, Julie Patidongan, Gleer Codilla, Mark Carlo Zabala, Virgilio Bayog, Johnry Consolacion and Roberto Matillano Jr., were allowed to post bail of P3 million each for six counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges.

The case stemmed from the alleged abduction on 22 January 2022 of the cockfighting fans while en route from Tanay, Rizal to the Manila Arena.

John Claude Inonog, James E. Baccay, Marlon E. Baccay, Rondel F. Cristorum, Mark Joseph L. Velasco and Rowel G. Gomez were last seen entering a gray van at 7:30 p.m.

The abandoned vehicle was later discovered in Barangay Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal.