DOJ appeals bail for suspects in missing sabungeros case

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) is asking a Manila court to reverse its decision to grant bail to the six security guards allegedly involved in the disappearance of six sabungeros or cockfighting aficionados.

DOJ spokesman Mico Clavano said yesterday the department has filed a motion for reconsideration before the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 40 to appeal the bail grant to the six suspects, believing it has strong evidence against the suspects.

“We think it’s not right for them to be granted bail and they were able to get out of jail. We think we have a strong case,” he said in a mix of Filipino and English.

Clavano added that the DOJ will set another meeting with the families of the missing sabungeros to give them updates on the kidnapping and serious illegal detention cases against the suspects.

Manila Arena security guards Virgilio Bayog, Gleer Codilla, Johnry Consolacion, Roberto Matillano Jr., Julie Patidongan and Mark Carlo Zabala were freed on bail on Dec. 15, 2023.

They are on trial for six counts of kidnapping and illegal detention in connection with the disappearance of James Baccay, Marlon Baccay, Claude Inonog, Mark Joseph Velasco, Rowel Gomez and Rondel Cristorum from the Manila Arena in 2022.

The six suspects were allowed to post bail amounting to P3 million each by RTC Branch 40 Judge Rebecca Guillen-Ubaña.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier said the court “overstepped” when it granted bail to the defendants in what he called “crimes against humanity.”

At least 34 sabungeros were reported to have disappeared since 2021.

The case of the missing sabungeros was earlier linked to match-fixing speculations. A Senate investigation has uncovered that players were suspected of sabotaging their roosters so they would lose, while secretly betting on their opponents.