7 accused in missing sabungero case transferred to BJMP

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has been ordered to transfer the seven civilians tagged in the case of the missing sabungeros to the custody of the Bureau of Jail and Management Penology (BJMP) in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

Judge Mary Jean Cajandab-Ong of the Regional Trial Court-4th Judicial Region Branch 26 directed the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Calabarzon to transport the accused to the Sta. Cruz District Jail, which is under the supervision of the BJMP.

CIDG-Calabarzon chief Lt. Col. Ganaban Ali said the accused were taken to the St. Joseph Health Center in Batangas City for medical examination before they were brought to the BJMP facility at around 3 p.m. yesterday.

The accused – identified as Ronquillo Anding, Rodelo Anig-ig, Rogelio Borican Jr., Emman Falle, Julius Gumolon, Jezrel Mahilum and Mark Carlo Zabala – were workers of the cockfight arena reportedly owned by businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang.

Ang is the accused mastermind in the disappearance and murder of the missing cockfight enthusiasts. He has been on the run since authorities issued a warrant for his arrest.

Ten other accused, who were police officers, have been dismissed from the service and remain under the custody of the PNP.