A Laguna court has issued an arrest warrant against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang over his alleged role in the disappearance of dozens of sabungeros or cockfighting enthusiasts, a case that has gripped public attention for years and resurfaced with new developments in 2026.
The warrant, dated January 13, 2026, was issued by the Regional Trial Court of Sta. Cruz, Laguna, Branch 26, presided over by Judge Mary Jean T. Cajandab-Ong. Ang faces a non-bailable charge of kidnapping with homicide. In addition, he is also charged with kidnapping and serious illegal detention in two other cases pending before separate RTC branches in Lipa City, Batangas, and in San Pablo City, Laguna.
Following the court’s order, the Philippine National Police (PNP) immediately mobilized its units to locate and arrest Ang. PNP Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez confirmed that authorities have already identified several locations where the businessman may be found. “Tukoy ang ating warrant of arrest… and it will be served on those locations,” Nartatez said during a Palace press briefing. He added that dedicated police teams are now en route to implement the warrant.
The court order also covers 17 other individuals, including Rogelio Borican Jr., Jezrel Mahilum, Mark Carlo Zabala, Rodelo Anig-IG, Emman Falle, Julios Gumolon, Ronquillo Anding, Ryan Jay Orapa, Aaron Ezrah Cabillan, Mark Anthony Manrique, Anderson Abary, Michael Claveria, Edmon Muñoz, Farvy Dela Cruz, Renan Fulgencio, Alfredo Andes, and Joey Encarnacion. Several police officers named in the warrants are currently under restrictive custody and have been directed to surrender to the PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
Judge Cajandab-Ong also reminded law enforcers to strictly observe Supreme Court rules on the use of body-worn cameras during the arrest, requiring at least one body camera and one alternative recording device to document the entire operation.
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order had already been issued earlier, and prosecutors are now moving for the issuance of a Hold Departure Order to prevent any of the accused from leaving the country. DOJ spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez emphasized that warrants may be served by any law enforcement agency at the suspects’ last known addresses.
The case traces its roots to the wave of mysterious disappearances in 2022 within the country’s massive cockfighting industry. The controversy regained momentum last year after whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as “Totoy,” claimed that as many as 100 victims were killed over alleged match-fixing and that their bodies were dumped in Taal Lake. Patidongan publicly accused Ang, his former employer, of being the mastermind behind the crimes—an allegation Ang has consistently denied.
As authorities move to execute the warrants, Ang’s lawyer, Gabriel Villareal, has requested time to review the accusations. With the DOJ pressing forward and police operations now underway, the long-running mystery surrounding the missing sabungeros may finally be nearing a critical turning point.