Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, one of the accused in the 2022 disappearance of six cockfighting enthusiasts, must now find new legal representation, the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed on Tuesday.

DOJ Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon told reporters that Patidongan’s lawyer withdrew from the case after the accused began publicly disclosing details about the case in recent weeks.

Patidongan is one of six individuals charged before the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 185 with six counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code. The case stems from the disappearance of sabungeros John Claude Inonog, James Baccay, Marlon Baccay, Rondel Cristorum, Mark Joseph Velasco, and Rowel Gomez — who were last seen traveling from Tanay, Rizal to the Manila Arena.

Also facing charges are Gleer Codilla, Mark Carlo Zabala, Virgilio Bayog, Johnry Consolacion, and Roberto Matillano Jr. All six were previously represented by the same law firm, which has now dropped only Patidongan as a client.

“We have to see who will represent Patidongan when he appears or is asked to appear in court this coming 22 July,” Fadullon said.

He clarified that while Patidongan has made public statements, the DOJ has not received any sworn affidavits from him.

“All these revelations have to be formally submitted. And even if and when we do receive them, we still have to evaluate them and determine their impact on the pending cases,” he added.

The prosecution is expected to present two more witnesses when the trial resumes next week.

Fadullon also revealed that a separate case related to the incident is pending before a regional trial court in San Pablo City, Laguna, involving three police officers. Both the Manila and San Pablo courts initially granted bail to the accused.

However, the Court of Appeals has since reversed the bail order in the Manila case. Arrest warrants have yet to be issued, pending finality of the CA ruling, which may still be elevated to the Supreme Court.

“Even if they go to the Supreme Court, our position is that the decision currently standing says bail should not have been granted,” Fadullon said.