Missing sabungeros: PNP issues poster for 6 suspects

MANILA, Philippines — To fasttrack their capture, the Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday released a wanted poster of six security guards linked to the kidnapping and disappearance of cockfight players or sabungeros in Manila last year.

The PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) made public the poster, which contained the photographs of Julie Patidongan, Mark Carlo Zabala, Roberto Matillano Jr., Johnry Consolacion, Virgilio Bayog and Gleer Codilla.

They were implicated in the disappearance of cockfight enthusiasts John Claude Inonog, James Baccay, Marlon Baccay, Rondel Cristorum, Mark Joseph Velasco and Rowel Gomez at the Manila Arena on Jan. 13, 2022.

PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. urged people with information on the whereabouts of the suspects to coordinate with police units in their areas.

Instead of hiding, Azurin urged the suspects to surrender and cooperate with the authorities in unmasking the mastermind in the sabungeros’ disappearance.

“Mas maganda sana kung magkakaroon ng (It would be better if there are) surrender feelers,” he said.

CIDG director Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. said the publication of the poster was based on a meeting with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla wherein the latter told the victims’ families that he is offering a P6-million reward for the suspects’ arrest.