DOJ seeks reversal of bail granted to suspects in missing sabungeros case

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 4) — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has sought the review of a court decision which granted bail to suspects in the disappearance of cockfight enthusiasts or sabungeros from Tanay, Rizal.

DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano on Wednesday said they have filed a motion for reconsideration on the bail grant issued in December by a Manila court in favor of the six suspects arrested by authorities.

“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 said 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 stand by its decision, the DOJ official said they will explore other legal remedies.

Police earlier said the suspects are facing charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention following the disappearance of six people, including John Claude Inonog, James Baccay, Marlon Baccay, Rondel Cristorum, Mark Joseph Velasco, and Rowel Gomez.

Clavano said the matter is complicated, as there are several “coverups and layers” that have yet to be unveiled.

“We really have to stay patient,” he said. “Pero rest assured that every day, meron nagagawa ang law enforcement agencies para mapalakas ang kaso."

[Translation: But rest assured that every day, law enforcement agencies are doing something to strengthen the case].”

Clavano added that the DOJ is hoping to hold a case conference by the end of the month to provide updates to the families of the victims.