A LAGUNA court has issued arrest warrants against businessman and gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang and 17 others over their alleged involvement in the missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) case.
Covered by the arrest warrants issued by Branch 26 of the Sta. Cruz, Laguna Regional Trial Court for kidnapping with homicide, with no bail recommended, were:
Rogelio Teodoso Rorican Jr.
Jezrel Lazarte Mahillm
Mark Carlo Evangelista Zabala
Rodelo Antipuesto Anig-Ig
Emman Cayunda Falle
Julios Tagalog Gumolon
Ronquillo Pacot Anding
Ryan Jay Eliab Orapa
Aaron Ezrah Lagahit Cabillan
Mark Anthony Aguilo Manrique
Anderson Orozco Abary
Michael Jaictin Claveria
Edmon Hernandez Muñoz
Farvy Opalla Dela Cruz
Renan Lagrosa Fulgencio
Alfredo Uy Andes
Joey Natanauan Encarnacion
In a press conference in Malacañang, Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said at least 10 of these individuals, who are police personnel, are already under restrictive custody.
He said they were directed to surrender to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
“The others—the dedicated teams of the PNP—are now on their way to implement the warrants of arrest,” Nartatez said.
“Tukoy sa ating warrant of arrest ang location of Charlie Atong Ang, different locations, and it will be served in those locations,” he added.
Ang is being pointed to as the brains behind the disappearance of several sabungeros between 2021 and 2022 who were accused of cheating.
Government prosecutors put weight on the statements of Ang’s former security chief, Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, who claimed that the gaming tycoon ordered the abduction and killing of the sabungeros.
Patidongan claimed that the bodies of many missing sabungeros were dumped into Taal Lake.
Investigators launched a search in Taal Lake, but they have yet to recover any evidence related to the case. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)