The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group on Friday arrested six suspects in the case of missing 'sabungeros' (cockfighting enthusiasts) in Parañaque City, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said on Friday.
According to CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., the CIDG Region 4A arrested Julie Patidongan alias Dondon, Mark Carlo Zabala, Roberto Matillano Jr., Johnny Consolacion, Virgilio Bayog and Gleer Codilla at around 1:45 p.m. at Jackielou Village and Fortunata Village, both in Parañaque City, based on the arrest warrant for kidnapping and serious illegal detention issued by Regional Trial Court NCJR Branch 40, Manila, dated 24 January 2023, with no bail recommended.
Acorda said aside from the six suspects, two companions of the suspects identified as Melchor Neri and Victorino Diocoso were also arrested for obstruction of justice.
"I hope that with the arrest of these suspects, those who were reportedly backing out as witnesses may reconsider their position, and I do believe the case is still strong. We have enough evidence to continue with the case," Acorda said in a press briefing held at Camp Crame.
Acorda said the CIDG created Special Investigation Task Group "Sabungero" on 24 January 2022 to focus on the reported missing sabungeros.
Based on the agency's investigation, at least 34 sabungeros have been reported missing as of this date.
"I would like to commend the CIDG for their unrelenting efforts that led to the arrest of the six suspects. We hope that their arrest will give assurance to the families that the PNP have not reneged on their commitment to pursue this case until justice is served," said Acorda.
The Department of Justice has offered a P6 million reward for any information on the arrest of the six suspects.
Acorda said that because police officers are not allowed to receive rewards and this goes to the action agents, the informants who are instrumental in their arrest will receive the reward, with the hope that this will convince others to support the PNP in manhunt operations against other wanted persons.
A separate case for kidnapping and serious illegal detention was also filed by CIDG in relation to the case of the missing master agent of online "sabong" Ricardo Lasco, who was reportedly abducted on 30 August 2021 in San Pablo, Laguna.
So far, the criminal complaints filed by the CIDG in the Manila Arena case and the case of Lasco have been found by the courts to have probable cause, resulting in the indictment of respondents through the issuance of arrest warrants.