Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla 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, Colonel 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 P6 million bounty for the arrest of the suspects in the case.

On September 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 January 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 as possible rewards for assets which gave information leading to the arrest of suspects in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo last March. (PNA)