Manila, Jan. 29 -- Prosecutors have formally asked the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) to order the arrest of six persons charged in connection with the disappearance of six "sabungeros" (cockfight enthusiasts) from an arena in 2022.

Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon told reporters Wednesday that prosecutors made the manifestation during a hearing on Tuesday before the Manila RTC Branch 40.

"It was orally manifested in the hearing yesterday," Fadullon said.

The prosecutors cited the Court of Appeals' December 20, 2024 ruling saying the Manila court gravely abused its discretion when it granted the respondents' petition for bail despite the presence of strong evidence against them.

"We emphasize that when the grant of bail ...