Atong Ang, 17 others face arrest over missing sabungeros

A regional trial court in Laguna has ordered the arrest of businessman and gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang and 17 other individuals in connection with the disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros, between 2021 and 2022.

Arrest warrants were issued by Branch 26 of the Regional Trial Court of Sta. Cruz, Laguna, for the crime of kidnapping with homicide. The court did not recommend bail.

Aside from Ang, the following individuals were named in the warrants:

• 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

During a press conference at Malacañang, Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that at least 10 of the individuals named in the warrants are police personnel who are already under restrictive custody.

He said the officers were ordered to surrender to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for proper disposition.

“The others—the dedicated teams of the PNP—are now on their way to implement the warrants of arrest,” Nartatez said.

He added that law enforcement authorities are actively tracking Ang’s whereabouts to serve the arrest warrant.

“Tukoy sa ating warrant of arrest ang location of Charlie Atong Ang, different locations, and it will be served in those locations,” Nartatez said.

Authorities have identified Ang as the alleged mastermind behind the disappearance of the sabungeros, who were reportedly accused of cheating in cockfighting operations.

The missing individuals were last seen between 2021 and 2022, prompting a high-profile investigation that has remained unresolved for years.

Government prosecutors said their case relies heavily on the testimony of Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, Ang’s former security chief. Patidongan earlier claimed that Ang ordered the abduction and killing of the missing sabungeros.

Patidongan also alleged that the bodies of several victims were dumped into Taal Lake to conceal the crime.

Following the allegations, law enforcement authorities conducted search operations in Taal Lake. However, investigators have so far failed to recover physical evidence directly linked to the disappearance of the sabungeros.

The issuance of the arrest warrants marks a significant development in the long-running case, which has drawn public attention due to the involvement of prominent individuals and alleged participation of police officers.

The PNP said operations to serve the warrants and locate all suspects are ongoing, while the Department of Justice has reiterated its commitment to pursue accountability for those responsible for the disappearances.