Batangas Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Atong Ang in Sabungeros Disappearance Case

In a significant move, a regional trial court in Batangas has mandated the arrest of businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang along with several others linked to the ongoing investigation into the vanishing of cockfighting enthusiasts, referred to as sabungeros.

The order, dated January 15, from the Regional Trial Court Branch 13 in Lipa City, instructs law enforcement to arrest Ang and 20 additional suspects. The court deemed there were ample grounds to bring six charges of kidnapping with homicide against them, a serious crime that precludes bail under current laws.

The court emphasized that the serious nature of the allegations and circumstances surrounding the vanishings and deaths of the individuals require immediate action. The case has garnered significant media attention owing to the number of missing persons and alleged connections to illicit cockfighting operations.

Along with Ang, the arrest warrant includes individuals such as Ryan Jay Eliab Orapa, Alfredo Uy Andes, and many others, totaling 20 suspects.

Just the day before, on January 14, the Regional Trial Court Branch 26 in Sta. Cruz, Laguna issued similar arrest warrants for Ang and 17 others, also citing kidnapping with homicide and serious illegal detention charges. Records reveal that the same 17 individuals are included in both cases.

Authorities confirmed that the 17 accused are currently held by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, leaving Ang as the sole suspect yet to be captured.

Ang’s attorney, Gabriel Villareal, stated that the defense plans to utilize all available legal avenues. However, officials from the Department of Justice pointed out that a court lacks the authority to consider motions or requests from individuals still at large.

During a January 15 press briefing, prosecutors referenced a Supreme Court ruling indicating that judicial relief can only be granted once the accused is in custody. Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon explained the necessity of arrest or voluntary surrender for the court to address any petition or motions by the accused.

The allegations are tied to multiple disappearances of sabungeros over the last few years. Families reported that their loved ones went missing after attending cockfighting events under dubious circumstances. Investigators suspect that the victims were kidnapped and murdered, prompting prosecutors to pursue the serious charge of kidnapping with homicide.

Law enforcement is ramping up efforts to locate Ang while preparing for trial proceedings against those already in custody. For families of the missing sabungeros, the court's decision represents a pivotal move towards justice after years of lingering uncertainty.