6 face kidnap raps over missing sabungeros

MANILA, Philippines — Six persons tagged in the disappearance of six sabungeros or cockfight enthusiasts have been charged with kidnapping and serious illegal detention, according to the Department of Justice.

DOJ prosecutors filed the complaints against Julie Patidongan, Gleer Codilla, Mark Carlo Zabala, Virgilio Bayog, Johnry Consolacion and Roberto Matillano Jr. before the Manila Regional Trial Court.

DOJ spokesman Mico Clavano said no bail was recommended for the respondents, who remain at large.

Clavano asked those who may have information about the suspects’ whereabouts to inform authorities.

Last December, the DOJ panel of prosecutors found the suspects to have conspired in kidnapping John Claude Inonog, James Baccay, Marlon Baccay, Rondel Cristorum, Mark Joseph Velasco and Rowel Gomez.

The victims reportedly left Tanay, Rizal on Jan. 13, 2022 to join a six-cock derby at the Manila Arena, but went missing after they were allegedly forced to board a gray van.