The Department of Justice (DOJ) has asked the Manila City Regional Trial Court to reverse its earlier ruling that allowed the six suspects in the case of missing “sabungeros” to post bail.
DOJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said the DOJ prosecutors have filed a motion for reconsideration before the Manila City RTC Branch 40 seeking a reversal of its ruling granting of bail to the six suspects in the case.
“We filed a motion for reconsideration on the grant of bail because in our view it is not right that they were granted bail and they were released from jail,” DOJ Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said.
Clavano reiterated there was strong evidence against the suspects.
“We think we have a strong case and that’s the bone of contention in the motion for bail or petition for bail, which is to determine the strength of evidence of the prosecution at this point,” he said.
The DOJ official said the DOJ would set another meeting with the families of the missing sabungeros to update them on the kidnapping and serious illegal detention cases of the suspects.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier raised the alarm over “settlement’” in the missing sabungeros cases, as some families desisted.
The case of the missing sabungeros was earlier linked to match-fixing speculations. A Senate investigation had found the players were suspected of sabotaging their roosters so they would lose, while secretly betting on their opponents.
Filipinos from all walks of life wager millions of pesos on matches every week between roosters who fight to the death with razor-sharp metal spurs tied to their legs.
The sport, banned in many other countries, survived coronavirus pandemic restrictions by going online, drawing many more bettors who use their mobile phones to place wagers.