Businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, alleged mastermind behind the disappearance of “sabungeros” (cockfighting enthusiasts), remains at large, even as nine policemen and six civilians implicated in the case are now under police custody following the issuance of arrest warrants by a Laguna court.
Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II, director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), said the arrests were carried out after the court’s order, but Ang was not among those apprehended.
“We have several operations ongoing in several of his properties in Metro Manila and Region 4A. It will be continuing,” Morico said during a press briefing at Camp Crame on Wednesday, Jan. 14.
The Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 26 in Santa Cruz, Laguna, presided by Judge Mary Jean Cajandab-Ong, issued the arrest warrant on Jan. 13, 2026, directing law enforcers to use body-worn cameras and recording devices in accordance with Supreme Court rules.
Ang faces multiple non-bailable charges of kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping with serious illegal detention before courts in Lipa City, Batangas; Santa Cruz, Laguna; and San Pablo City, Laguna.
The case, which began in 2022 after the mysterious disappearances of dozens of cockfighters, gained traction when whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as Totoy, revealed details of the alleged killings.
Patidongan accused Ang, his former employer, along with several policemen and civilians, of orchestrating the abductions and murders of sabungeros suspected of game-fixing.
He claimed that as many as 100 victims were dumped in Taal Lake.
Ang has consistently denied the allegations.
ARREST & CHARGES
Morico confirmed that nine active policemen are now under restrictive custody, while six civilians—already under surveillance prior to the warrant—were also apprehended.
They are among 18 accused in the cases.
Ang’s co-accused include Rogelio Teodoso Borican Jr., Jezrel Lazarte Mahilum, Mark Carlo Evangelista Zabala, Rodelio 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 Munoz, Farvy Opalla Dela Cruz, Renan Lagrosa Fulgencio, Alfredo Uy Andes, and Joey Natanauan Encarnacion.
A total of 26 criminal cases have been filed against Ang, including 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide and 16 counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention.
IMMIGRATION WATCH
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced it will seek a Hold Departure Order (HDO) against Ang and his co-accused to prevent them from leaving the country. DOJ spokesperson Prosecution Attorney Raphael Niccolo L. Martinez said, “Following the issuance of the arrest warrant by RTC Sta. Cruz, the prosecution shall forthwith move for the issuance of a Hold Departure Order with the court and ensure that all the accused stand trial.”
Although no HDO has yet been issued, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is closely monitoring airports and seaports. An Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) is already in place to alert authorities of any attempt by the accused to flee.
SURRENDER!
Morico urged Ang to surrender peacefully, warning that anyone assisting him or other fugitives in hiding would face obstruction of justice charges.
“We are going to account for all of them so I asked Mr. Atong Ang to just peacefully surrender. We have been monitoring him. He is still in the country,” Morico said.
As the hunt for Ang continues, authorities vowed to pursue all accused until justice is served for the missing sabungeros. (Reports from Aaron Recuenco, Danny Estacio, and Jeffrey Damicog)
