15 charged over missing 34 e-sabong enthusiasts (Sabong News)
Author
William Depasupil
Date
MARCH 20 2022
CRIMINAL complaints were filed before the Department of Justice (DoJ) against the suspected perpetrators of the disappearance of 34 enthusiasts of e-sabong or online cockfighting.
The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) filed charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention — a violation of Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code against 15 persons, including six John Does.
All security personnel of the Manila Arena at the SMX Convention Center in Parañaque City, the respondents were identified as Julie Patidongan alias Dondon, Mark Carlo Zabala, Virgilio Bayog, Roberto Matillano Jr., Jonas Alingasa, Johnry Consolacion, Herolden Alonto, GlerCudilla and one alias Sir Chief plus six others whose identities were withheld.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the cockfighting enthusiasts disappeared in the morning of Jan. 13, 2022 after they went to the Manila Arena to participate in a 6-cock stag derby.
The cockfighting enthusiasts were allegedly held by the accused against their will and herded into a gray van.
One of the victims, reportedly, was able to use his cell phone to call his father and told him that he was being abducted. The father then demanded the owner and the security personnel of Manila Arena to produce his son.
The family members of the victims then sought the assistance of the PNP-CIDG, which then referred the case to the DoJ after conducting an investigation.
A panel of prosecutors from the National Prosecution Service are now reviewing the case.
Among the e-sabong operators granted license by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) were Lucky 8 Star Quest Inc. of Pitmaster Live and Belvedere Corp.
It was reported that Pagcor is earning P100 million monthly from each company.
A bill legalizing e-sabong was recently approved by the House of Representatives.
