The Philippine National Police (PNP) is eyeing one group as responsible in all the cases involving the 34 missing cockfighting players in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, the motive was earlier disclosed to be a possible crackdown against those involved in alleged game-fixing, particularly at the height of the online sabong during the Covid-19 pandemic.
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said police, through the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), were able to obtain good leads that could help in the resolution of the case: "The CIDG is now completing the testimonies of some witnesses that could lead to the identification of the person/persons who ordered this."
On Friday, Feb, 17, the CIDG released the photos and information of the six security personnel of the Manila Arena in connection with the kidnapping of at least six cockfighting players in January last year.
They were identified as Julie A. Patidongon alias “Dondon,” 45; Mark Carlo Zabala, 29; Roberto G. Matillano Jr., 54; Johnry R. Consolacion, 33; Virgilio P. Bayog, 44; and Gleer Codilla alias Gler Cudilla. Each of them carries P1 million reward.
Fajardo said Patidongan for instance was tagged in at least two cases of missing cockfighting players.
"So we are looking into the possibility that only one group was responsible for all the cases of 34 missing sabungeros," said Fajardo.
All the missing sabungeros, including online sabong master agent Ricardo Lasco, who was forcibly taken by a group of armed, some of them turned out to be policemen, from his house in Laguna last year.
The investigation into the 34 missing sabungeros were grouped into eight cases, all being handled by the CIDG.
Part of the move to expedite the investigation was the release of the photos and names of the six Manila Arena security personnel as the police believe they hold key information that could lead to the identification of the mastermind, as well as the resolution of all cases.
"We are asking the public to provide us with the information they have that could lead to the arrest of these people," said Fajardo.
She added that they are also talking with the families of the six Manila Arena personnel to convince them to surrender.
In a statement, the CIDG said the six Manila Arena security personnel are now facing a case of kidnapping and serious illegal detention.
CIDG director Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat said they plan to distribute the poster nationwide.
"It will be posted in all PNP units, places of convergence, social media, and the website of CIDG. He urged the public to help them in any way possible to apprehend the accused," said Caramat.