DOJ files kidnapping, detention raps vs. 6 over missing sabungeros

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday filed kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges against six individuals allegedly involved in the disappearance of six sabungeros in January 2022, according to Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano.

The information was filed with the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) against farm manager Julie Patidongan, Gleer Codilla, Mark Carlo Zabala, Virgilio Bayog, Johnry Consolacion, and Roberto Matillano Jr.

Clavano said the prosecutors also recommended that no bail be set for the respondents.

“All remain at large. The Department of Justice, therefore, encourages law enforcement agencies to keep a look out for these people,” he said in a message to reporters.

“We also ask that all those who know or come to know of their whereabouts inform the proper authorities so they may be tried for the crimes charged,” he added.

In December 2022, the DOJ found that the six conspired in the kidnapping of John Claude Inonog, James Baccay, Marlon Baccay, Rondel Cristorum, Mark Joseph Velasco, and Rowel Gomez.

The sabungeros left Tanay, Rizal at 1 p.m. on January 13, 2022 to go to the Manila Arena but were forced to board a gray van at around 7:30 p.m.—AOL, GMA Integrated News