Court found probable cause in kidnapping with homicide complaints. Atong Ang, through counsel, denied involvement in the disappearance of dozens of sabungeros and said his defense will challenge the arrest warrants through legal remedies.
A regional trial court in Laguna has ordered the arrest of gaming entrepreneur Charlie “Atong” Ang in connection with the disappearance of dozens of cockfighting enthusiasts, a development that has triggered a nationwide manhunt and pushed one of the country’s most closely watched criminal cases into a decisive new phase.
The Regional Trial Court Branch 26 in Santa Cruz, Laguna issued arrest warrants dated January 13, 2026 against Ang and 17 other accused after finding probable cause to proceed with cases of kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping and serious illegal detention. Under Philippine law, the offenses cited in the warrants are non-bailable.
Police move to serve warrants, one suspect remains at large
The Philippine National Police said specialized units were immediately directed to implement the warrants and locate Ang, who remains at large. Authorities confirmed that 17 of the 18 accused have already been taken into custody, leaving Ang as the only suspect yet to be arrested.
Police teams have checked multiple locations linked to the businessman as part of standard warrant implementation. The court orders require arresting officers to comply with rules on the use of body-worn cameras during operations.
Palace and DOJ underscore enforcement of court orders
Malacañang has instructed law enforcement agencies to carry out the warrants without delay, reiterating the administration’s position that judicial orders must be enforced irrespective of a suspect’s prominence.
The Department of Justice said it is preparing to seek a hold departure order to ensure the accused cannot leave the country while the cases are pending. Immigration checks conducted in coordination with investigators have not confirmed any recent overseas travel by Ang.
Disappearances traced to cockfighting disputes
The cases stem from the disappearance of at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts, commonly referred to as sabungeros, reported missing between 2021 and 2022. Prosecutors allege the victims were abducted following disputes linked to cockfighting matches, with witness accounts forming the basis of claims that the victims were later killed.
Authorities stress that these assertions remain allegations that will be tested during trial.
Defense disputes process, signals legal challenge
Ang has denied involvement in the disappearances. Through counsel, he has questioned the validity of the warrants, raising concerns over procedure and due process. The defense has indicated it will pursue available legal remedies to challenge the court’s findings.
Case enters judicial phase
With most of the accused now in custody, investigators say the immediate priority is securing Ang’s arrest so the cases can move forward to arraignment and pretrial proceedings. Prosecutors are expected to begin consolidating evidence and witnesses once all defendants are before the court.
For families of the missing sabungeros, the issuance of arrest warrants represents a long-awaited step toward accountability. For the justice system, it marks the transition from investigation to full judicial scrutiny, where the competing claims of the prosecution and the defense will be weighed in open court.
