Court Mandates Arrest of Atong Ang in Cockfighting Disappearances

In a significant development, a regional trial court in Batangas has mandated the arrest of businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang alongside several others linked to the ongoing investigation into the mysterious disappearances of cockfighting fans, known as sabungeros.

The order, issued on January 15 by the Regional Trial Court Branch 13 in Lipa City, directs law enforcement to apprehend Ang and 20 additional co-accused individuals. The court found ample reason to charge them with six counts of kidnapping with homicide, a serious offense that prohibits bail under current legislation.

Highlighting the severity of the allegations and the situation surrounding the victims’ disappearances and deaths, the court emphasized the need for immediate action. The case has drawn considerable public interest due to the number of missing persons potentially linked to illicit cockfighting activities.

Alongside Ang, the court ordered the arrest of: Ryan Jay Eliab Orapa, Alfredo Uy Andes, Henry Samar Sasaluya, Farvy Opalla Dela Cruz, Angel Joseph Ferro Martin, Joey Natanauan Encarnacion (known as “Enca”), Aaron Ezrah Lagahit Cabillan, Michael Jaictin Claveria (or “Mike Claveria”), Renan Lagrosa Fulgencio, Philip Simborio Almedilla, Arturo Opalla Dela Cruz Jr., Mark Anthony Aguilo Manrique, Anderson Orozco Abary, Edmon Hernandez Munoz, Rogelio Teodoso Borican Jr., Rodel Antipuesto Anig-Ig, Mark Carlo Evangelista Zabala, Jezrel Lazarte Mahilum, Emman Cayunda Falle, and Julios Tagalog Gumolon.

Just a day prior, on January 14, the Regional Trial Court Branch 26 in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, also issued arrest warrants for Ang and 17 others. Those involved face charges of kidnapping with homicide, as well as kidnapping and serious illegal detention. Court documents indicate that the 17 individuals named in the Sta. Cruz case are also implicated in the Lipa City matter.

Law enforcement has confirmed that the 17 accused remain detained by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, leaving Ang as the only suspect still unapprehended.

Ang’s attorney, Gabriel Villareal, stated that the defense will seek all legal avenues available for his client. Nevertheless, officials from the Department of Justice underscored that courts cannot address any motions or requests from an accused who is not in custody.

During a press conference on January 15, prosecutors referenced a Supreme Court ruling affirming that judicial relief can only be granted once the accused is within the court's jurisdiction. Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon noted that this condition can only be satisfied if the accused is arrested or voluntarily surrenders to law enforcement.

He stressed that without being in custody, the court lacks the jurisdiction to address any petitions or motions submitted by the accused.

These charges relate to the unexplained disappearances of numerous sabungeros over recent years. Families of the missing reported their loved ones went missing after attending cockfighting events, often under dubious circumstances. Investigators suspect the individuals were kidnapped and subsequently murdered, prompting prosecutors to pursue the gravest charge of kidnapping with homicide.

Law enforcement agencies are ramping up efforts to track down Ang, while authorities prepare for trial proceedings against those already in custody. For families of the disappeared sabungeros, the court’s decision symbolizes a crucial step toward seeking justice after prolonged uncertainty and unanswered queries.