A court in Lipa City, Batangas has issued another arrest warrant against gambling tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang and 20 others for a non-bailable kidnapping with homicide case linked to the disappearance of over 100 cockfight aficionados, or sabungero.
On January 15, the Regional Trial Court Branch 13 in Lipa City, Batangas issued a warrant against Ang, also known as “Bos AA”, and his alleged subordinates including Rogelio Borican Jr., Jezrel Mahilum, and others. The list also includes 11 police officers ordered arrested, such as Lt. Col. Ryan Jay Orapa and Maj. Philip Almedilla. These officers have already been dismissed from service by the National Police Commission due to their alleged involvement in the incident.
This adds to previous warrants from Santa Cruz, Laguna RTC Branch 26 issued last Wednesday, where all 17 of Ang’s co-accused have been arrested. Based on the Department of Justice investigation, 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide and 16 counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention were filed in December last year related to the 2022 disappearance of the sabungero.
According to whistleblower Julie Patidongan, Ang was the mastermind behind the killing of the sabungero who were accused of cheating in cockfight games, strangled to death and dumped in Taal Lake. Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has offered a P10 million reward for information leading to Ang’s arrest.
Although the National Bureau of Investigation has “reliable leads,” authorities believe Ang remains in the Philippines. Acting Justice Secretary Frederick Vida urged him to surrender and face the charges. However, his lawyer Gabriel Villareal advised against surrendering yet, citing risks from the reward and potential unfair treatment.
