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PNP CAPTURES SIX WANTED SUSPECTS IN MISSING SABUNGERO CASE

In a significant high-profile investigation breakthrough, the Philippine National Police (PNP) through its Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), arrested six suspects linked to the kidnapping and serious illegal detention of six cockfighting aficionados on Friday. These victims were reported missing on January 13, 2022, following an incident at the Manila Cockpit Arena.

The suspects, identified as Julie A. PATIDONGAN alias "Dondon”, Mark Carlo E. ZABALA," Virgilio P. BAYOG, Roberto G. MATILLANO Jr., Johnry R. CONSOLACION, and Gleer CODILLA, were arrested in Paranaque City on September 15, 2023, around 1:45 PM. They were taken into custody by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by RTC, Branch 40 Manila, with no bail recommended.

Furthermore, two companions of suspect Patidongan, namely, Melchor NERI y Dagsan and Victorino JOCOSOL y Eneran, were also arrested for obstruction of justice.

This case came to public attention on January 14, 2022, when the families of the victims personally lodged a complaint against the security personnel of Manila Cockpit Arena, alleging their involvement in the kidnapping of James Baccay, Marlon Baccay, Rondel Cristorum, Mark Joseph Velasco, John Claude Venson Inonog, and Rowel Gomez.

Acting on this information, the CIDG created the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) "Sabungero" on January 24, 2022, to focus on the reported missing sabungeros. Their ongoing investigation has revealed at least thirty-four (34) missing individuals as of the latest update.

According to CIDG Director P/Brig. Gen. Albert Ferro, the suspects are members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate that targets wealthy sabungeros and online sabong agents. He said that the suspects would lure their victims into a trap by offering them lucrative deals or inviting them to exclusive cockfights. Once they have gained their trust, they would abduct them and demand ransom from their families.

Ferro added that the suspects are also involved in other criminal activities such as illegal gambling, robbery-holdup, car theft, and gun-for-hire. He said that they have recovered several firearms, ammunition, vehicles, and cash from the suspects' possession.

On March 18, 2022, six (6) counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code were filed against the six suspects before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

In a separate case, the CIDG also filed charges related to the kidnapping and serious illegal detention of the missing master agent of online sabong, Ricardo Lasco, who was reportedly abducted on August 30, 2021, in San Pablo, Laguna.

PNP Chief P/Gen Benjamin Acorda Jr., commended the CIDG for their relentless efforts, stating: "I would like to commend the CIDG for their unrelenting efforts that led to the arrest of the six suspects. We hope that their arrest will give assurance to the families that the PNP has not reneged on their commitment to pursue this case until justice is served."

He also appealed to the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities or persons related to this case. He said that anyone who has information can contact the CIDG hotline at [phone number] or visit their website at [website].

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