THE Philippine National Police (PNP) remains steadfast in their search for the missing sabungeros as suspects in the case have been issued warrants of arrest.
The case of the missing sabungeros involves the kidnapping of six victims named as James E Baccay, Marlon E Baccay, Rondel F Cristorum, Mark Joseph L Velasco, John Claude Venson Inonog and Rowel Gomez that transpired at the Manila Arena in Sta. Ana, Manila on January 13, 2022.
Recently, a 15-page joint resolution was released by the Department of Justice (DOJ) disclosing that state prosecutors found probable cause to indict six suspects for six counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code.
According to the resolution, prosecutors considered the testimonies of witnesses and CCTV footage from different barangays that showed the continuity of the forcible abduction. The victims’ cellphone conversation with his father during the time they were abducted, the testimony of a witness who identified the suspects, CCTV footage showing a black and a gray van followed by a silver Toyota Wigo that left the Manila Arena, the short lapse of time as shown in the CCTV footage, and the victims’ disappearance since the abduction were all cited as circumstances that may proved the suspects’ guilt. The case of Inonog, Baccay brothers, Cristorum, Velasco, and Gomez is one of the eight cases handled by the CIDG SITG “Sabungero”.
The SITG “Sabungero” encourages everyone with information regarding the case to come forward and help in the investigation.
In a statement, PNP Chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. reassured the victims’ families and the nation that the investigation would continue until the truth is uncovered.
“We will not stop until justice is served for the victims and their families. We have identified the suspects and the court issued warrants of arrests against them. We urge the suspects to surrender peacefully and face the charges because the PNP will not stop until they are all accounted,” said Acorda.
