DOJ appeals granting of bail to 6 suspects in missing ‘sabungero’ case
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a motion for reconsideration seeking the reversal of the granting of bail to the six suspects in the case of missing sabungero (cockfighting enthusiasts).
“[W]e believe it was not right that they were granted bail, that they were released from detention,” DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano told reporters.
“We think we have a strong case and that’s actually the bone of contention of the motion or petition for bail, which is to determine the strength of evidence of the prosecution at this point,” he said.
Last month, Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Fadullon said that a Manila regional trial court allowed all six accused—Julie Patidongan, Gleer Codilla, Mark Carlo Zabala, Virgilio Bayog, Johnny Consolacion and Roberto Matillano Jr.—to post bail.
They are facing six counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention over the disappearance of six of 34 missing cockfighting enthusiasts identified as John Claude Inonog, Rondel Cristorum, Mark Joseph Velasco, Rowel Gomez and brothers James and Marlon Baccay.Bail denied initially
The six are former security guards of the Manila Arena, a sports venue, where the victims disappeared. The accused were arrested in September in Parañaque City by Criminal Investigation and Detection Group agents based on a warrant issued by the court. At that time, no bail was recommended for their release.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier questioned the court’s decision to grant bail to the suspects in a crime which he likened to a crime against humanity since there were 34 victims.
According to Clavano, the DOJ believes there was strong evidence against the suspects, adding that law enforcers continue to investigate the cases of the other missing sabungero.
“The Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation have come together to continue case buildup,” he said.
Other legal remedies mulled
Apart from the filing of the motion for reconsideration, Clavano said the DOJ would explore other legal remedies to get justice for the victims and their families.
“We just really have to be patient with regards to these kinds of cases because there are a lot of cover-ups, layers … these cases and issues are very complex, so we really have to stay patient. But rest assured that law enforcement agencies are doing everything to strengthen the cases,” he said.
He added that the DOJ would set another meeting with the families of the missing sabungero to update them on the kidnapping and serious illegal detention cases against the suspects.
“We’re hoping to hold it by the end of this month so we could explain to the families the status of the cases, whether it be in court or case buildup stage,” Clavano said. INQ
