Atong Ang with counsel Lorna Kapunan
BUSINESSMAN Charlie “Atong” Ang is now subject to an arrest warrant issued by a Laguna court in connection with the disappearance of multiple cockfight enthusiasts.
The warrant, issued on January 13 by Judge Mary Jean Cajandab-Ong of the Regional Trial Court Branch 26, charges Ang and several others with the non-bailable offense of kidnapping with homicide.
The court’s decision follows the Justice Department’s indictment of Ang and his co-accused last month. Given the severity of the charge, kidnapping with homicide, which carries a penalty of life imprisonment under Philippine law, the court has set bail as “not bailable.”
In issuing the warrant, the court also directed law enforcement officers to strictly adhere to Supreme Court rules regarding the use of body-worn cameras during the arrest operation. This includes the requirement of at least one body-worn camera and one alternative recording device to document the execution of the warrant.
State prosecutors have previously indicated that they possess prima facie evidence and a reasonable certainty of conviction to pursue charges of kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping with serious illegal detention against the accused.
The cases are rooted in the disappearance of several “sabungeros,” or cockfight enthusiasts, with prosecutors alleging that their abductions were linked to accusations of cheating during cockfighting events. Prosecutors further allege that Ang exercised command responsibility over these abductions, accusing the victims of manipulating cockfight outcomes.
Ang has consistently denied any involvement in the disappearance of the sabungeros and maintains his innocence. He is also facing similar charges in regional trial courts in Lipa and San Pablo cities.
