Arena probed over 6 missing players

MANILA, Philippines — The police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Thursday sent out subpoenas to the administrator of the Manila Arena and five security guards in connection with the disappearance and alleged kidnapping of six cockfighting aficionados.

The subpoenas were served to the six employees of the Manila Arena in Sta. Ana district at around 5:40 p.m. on Thursday.

Ordered to appear before the CIDG National Capital Region (NCR) field office on Jan. 31 are Manila Arena administrator Cesar Sulit and security guards Mark Carlo Zabala, Rogelio Borican, Bergelio Bayog, Joey Pirrira and Arnel Arturo.

The CIDG directed the six to cooperate in its probe of the alleged kidnapping of six cockfight players at the arena on the night of Jan. 13.

Brothers Marlon and James Baccay, John Claude Inonog, Mark Joseph Velasco, Rondel Cristorum and Rowel Gomez – all from Tanay, Rizal – are among 20 cockfighting players who went missing after participating in cockfighting tournaments in Manila and Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

Col. Randy Glenn Silvio, CIDG-NCR field office chief, earlier said they wrote a letter to the Manila Arena management but have not received a reply.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said the CIDG is investigating whether all the cases are related.

“These incidents do have a lot in common. We will find out if there is a syndicate behind these cases,” he said in a statement.

The PNP has appealed for the owners and management of the cockfighting arenas to cooperate in the investigation to identify people behind the disappearance of the victims.

Grenade thrown

Meanwhile, a grenade was thrown at the Manila Arena on Thursday but failed to explode.

One of two still unidentified men, both wearing helmets, got off a scooter and lobbed the grenade at the stadium’s main entrance on New Panaderos street at past 6 p.m.

One of the arena’s guards tried to catch the assailants, who sped toward Lambingan Bridge, police said.

The Manila Police District has yet to identify the suspects and the motive for the failed attack, but said the incident may be related to the case of the missing players. –  Ghio Ong