Murder and serious illegal detention complaints have been filed at the Department of Justice (DoJ) against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and several others allegedly behind the disappearance of dozens of online cockfight enthusiasts or sabungeros.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said witnesses have surfaced identifying Ang as the “head of a criminal organization” responsible for the vanished 34 e-sabong workers from late 2021 to early 2022.

“There are witnesses who testified that [Ang] was the mastermind, the head of the criminal organization,” Remulla said in a briefing. “They’ve provided vital information about how the crimes were carried out and who was involved.”

He described the group as a “deeply embedded” syndicate, with links possibly to law enforcement and local government units.

The DoJ chief noted that suspects identified as “Toto” and “Dongdong,” reportedly Ang’s subordinates, are under investigation for their alleged roles in the abductions.

The complaints were filed by the families of the missing individuals, marking a significant breakthrough in the long-running investigation into the high-profile case that has gripped the nation since 2021.

Also named in the complaints were individuals reportedly connected to the operations of cockfight operator Pitmasters and who stand accused of orchestrating a criminal conspiracy to detain and kill several sabungeros.

The DoJ has enlisted the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) help in conducting dive operations in Taal Lake, suspected to be the dumping site of the victims’ bodies. Advanced forensic examinations, likely with international help, are also underway.

“We are exploring all technical and scientific avenues, even if we have to send forensic material abroad,” Remulla said.

He said the department is coordinating with the FBI and other foreign agencies for forensic support, and will work on extradition agreements during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s upcoming state visit to Australia.

‘Alpha’ members watched

Remulla said three to four persons allegedly belonging to the “Alpha Group” of top sabungeros are now under scrutiny. Asked about the involvement of top police officials, he said the DoJ is gathering names and building cases but declined to confirm specific identities.

“We are up against the best lawyers money can buy,” Remulla said. “But our legal system must prevail. No one is above the law. We won’t stop until we get justice.”

Only the beginning

For families like those of the missing Michael Bautista and Ricardo Lasco, the legal action is only the beginning.

Charlene Lasco, sister of Ricardo Lasco, said, “We’ve waited too long. What we want now is justice. We are trusting the DoJ to act quickly and decisively.”

Remulla assured the families the government is committed to pursuing the case, no matter how high up it goes.

“We cannot allow money or influence to determine who lives and who disappears,” he said. “This case will not be buried; we will bring the truth to light.”

With this, the families of the missing sabungeros, after four years of waiting, have begun filing murder and serious illegal detention charges against Ang, members of the so-called Alpha Group, and several police officers allegedly involved in the disappearances.

Ryan Bautista, brother of missing aficionado Michael Bautista, said, “We’re very, very happy. This is finally our chance, we’ve waited a long time — four years.”

“We’re filing charges of murder and serious illegal detention against Atong Ang and his group,” he told reporters.

More than 30 families have joined the complaints, according to Charlene Lasco.

“We’ve long suspected Atong Ang. We’re also charging Eric de la Rosa, Rjay Mejia and some police officers,” she said.

“We are asking the DoJ to thoroughly investigate this case and establish probable cause so that arrest warrants can be issued as soon as possible,” she added.

The complaints were filed just as the DoJ confirmed it had received testimony from a key witness identifying Ang as the alleged mastermind of the coordinated abductions.