The Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) Calabarzon on Friday arrested the six suspects behind the disappearance of six cockfighting enthusiasts or sabungeros.
In a press statement, PNP-CIDG said the the suspects, who are facing six counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention before the justice department, was caught at around 1:45 PM in Paranaque City.
The six perpetuators were identified as:
- Julie Patidongan, also known as 'Dondon'
- Mark Carlo Zabala
- Virgilio Bayog
- Roberto Matillano Jr.
- Johnry Consolacion
- Gleer Codilla
FLASH: Anim na suspect sa kontrobersyal na kaso ng missing sabungeros sa Manila Cockpit Arena noong January 2022, arestado ng PNP-CIDG | via RH 5 Val Gonzales
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The PNP-CIDG Calabarzon said two companions of Patiodangan was also nabbed for obstruction of justice. They were identified as as Melchor Neri Dagsan and Victorino Jocosol Eneran
On January 2022, six sabungeros, James Baccay, Marlon Baccay, Rondel Cristorum, Mark Joseph Velasco, John Claude Venson Inonog, and Rowel Gomez, went missing after attending a cockfight at the Manila Cockpit Arena.
According to PNP-CIDG Calabarzon, 34 sabungeros are still missing up to this date.
The PNP criminal investigation group said it hope that the arrest of suspects will make the sabungero's families assured of its "commmitment to pursue this case until justice is served."
