DOJ to honor rewards for info on missing ‘sabungeros’, Degamo cases

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla. (File Photo: Boying Remulla/Facebook)

MANILA – Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday said the government would honor its commitment to give rewards to persons who would provide information leading to the arrest of wanted suspects in a number of cases, including those involved in the case of missing sabungeros (cockfighting aficionados).

This came following Remulla’s meeting with National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) officials led by director Medardo de Lemos and Philippine National Police (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Regional Field Unit 4-A chief Col. Jacinto Malinao Jr.

“We have discussed how to give the rewards we earlier promised to assets who gave information leading to the arrests,” Remulla said in a press briefing.

The DOJ earlier announced a PHP6 million bounty for the arrest of the suspects in the case.

On Sept. 15, Julie Patidongan alias Dondon, Mark Carlo Zabala, Roberto Matillano Jr., Johnry Consolacion, Virgilio Bayog and Gleer Codilla were arrested in an operation by members of the CIDG-Calabarzon inside the Jackielou Village and Fortunata Village.

The suspects have an arrest warrant for kidnapping and serious illegal detention issued by the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 40, in connection with the abduction of six “sabungeros” at the Manila Arena on Jan. 13, 2022.

Two companions of the suspects, Melchor Neri and Victorino Diocoso, were also arrested for obstruction of justice.

Remulla said they have also discussed possible rewards for the police unit as well possible rewards for asset which gave information leading to the arrest of suspects in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo last March.