Court Issues Arrest Warrants vs Atong Ang, 17 Others for Kidnapping with Homicide

The Laguna Regional Trial Court Branch 26 has issued warrants of arrest against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and 17 others in connection with the long-running case involving the disappearance of several sabungeros, or cockfighting enthusiasts.

The court ordered the arrest of the accused after ruling that the prosecution had presented prima facie evidence to support the charge of kidnapping with homicide, a non-bailable offense under Philippine law.

Court records show that prosecutors alleged the victims were forcibly taken, killed, and their bodies dumped in Taal Lake to conceal the crime. The court cited these allegations in finding sufficient basis to issue warrants of arrest and require the accused to stand trial.

The charges are linked to the widely publicized disappearance of multiple sabungeros who went missing after allegedly being accused of cheating in cockfighting matches. Despite extensive investigations, the victims have yet to be found.

Due to the gravity of the offense and the evidence presented, the court ruled that the accused are not entitled to bail. Law enforcement agencies have been directed to serve the arrest warrants and take the suspects into custody.

As of posting time, Ang and his legal counsel have not issued any public statement regarding the case.