Families of 6 missing sabungeros withdraw from kidnapping raps

The families of six missing sabungeros have withdrawn from the cases in connection with the disappearance of their loved ones.

According to Saleema Refran's report on "24 Oras," the families who have withdrawn were those of John Claude Inonog, Rondel Cristorum, Mark Joseph Velasco, Rowel Gomez, and brothers James Baccay and Marlon Baccay.

The Department of Justice in January filed before the Manila Regional Trial Court kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges against six security officers at the Manila Arena.

They are Julie Patidongan alias “Don-Don”, Gleer Codilla, Mark Carlo Zabala, Virgilio Bayog, Johnny Consolacion, and Roberto Matillano Jr., who all have warrants for their arrest.

Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon said the move of the families was surprising as they were diligent in pursuing the cases early on.

He said the cases would proceed, and the court would decide whether or not to give weight to the withdrawal of the families from the cases.

The Philippine National Police vowed to continue to look for the individuals and intended to call a conference with the suspects’ family members to get a lead on their whereabouts.

“We are getting updates every now and then. May mga tracker teams dedicated para hanapin sila. Tayo’y magtulungan. If meron tayong nalalaman na somehow could lead to the arrest of these suspects na na-identify natin ay sana wag tayong mag-atubiling magbigay ng impormasyon sa ating kapulisan.” PNP Chief General Benjamin Acorda said.

Families of the other missing sabungeros expressed disappointment over the disengagement from the cases. —Jiselle Casucian/NB, GMA Integrated News