THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed formal charges against six persons over the disappearance of six cockfighting aficionados last year.

Charged before the Manila Regional Trial Court were Julie A. Patidongan, Gleer Codilla, Mark Carlo E. Zabala, Virgilio P. Bayog, Johnry R. Consolacion, and Roberto G. Matillano.

They were indicted for six counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code over the disappearance of John Claude Inonog, James E. Baccay, Marlon E. Baccay, Rondel F. Cristorum, Mark Joseph L. Velasco, and Rowel G. Gomez.

The victims were allegedly kidnapped on January 22, 2022 while on their way to the Manila Arena from Tanay, Rizal.

The DOJ said in a resolution: “After a careful perusal of the case records, the panel of prosecutors from the Department of Justice (DOJ) found probable cause to indict Julie A. Patidongan, Gleer Codilla, Mark Carlo E. Zabala, Virgilio P. Bayog, Johnry R. Consolacion, and Roberto G. Matillano Jr. for six (6) counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code,” a DOJ press briefer reads in part.

“Accordingly, the information against these respondents will be filed before the Regional Trial Court of Manila City,” it added.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Hector Lawas