The Department of Justice (DOJ) has formally requested a review of a court decision that granted bail to suspects involved in the disappearance of cockfight enthusiasts, known as sabungeros, from Tanay, Rizal. The DOJ spokesperson, Mico Clavano, announced on Wednesday that they have filed a motion for reconsideration regarding the bail granted in December by a Manila court for the six suspects arrested in connection with the case.
“Sa tingin namin, hindi tama na nabigyan sila ng bail at nakalabas sila sa kulungan [We think it was not right that they were granted bail and released from jail],” Clavano stated in a media interview.
“We think we have a strong case, at ‘yun naman ang pinaka [and that’s the primary] bone of contention ng [of a] motion for bail or petition for bail, which is to determine the strength of the evidence of the prosecution at this point,” he added.
Should the court uphold its decision, Clavano mentioned that the DOJ is prepared to explore other legal remedies.
The suspects, as per police statements, are currently facing charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention following the mysterious disappearance of six individuals. The missing individuals have been identified as John Claude Inonog, James Baccay, Marlon Baccay, Rondel Cristorum, Mark Joseph Velasco, and Rowel Gomez.
Clavano acknowledged the complexity of the case, stating, “There are several coverups and layers that have yet to be unveiled. We really have to stay patient. Pero rest assured that every day, meron nagagawa ang law enforcement agencies para mapalakas ang kaso. [But rest assured that every day, law enforcement agencies are doing something to strengthen the case.”
The DOJ is hopeful of holding a case conference by the end of the month to provide updates to the families of the victims. The ongoing investigation aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the sabungeros, and the authorities remain committed to pursuing justice in this matter.
Carlo Juancho FuntanillaFrontend Developer, WordPress, Shopify
Contributing Editor
AMA ACLC San Pablo
