The Philippine National Police (PNP) has directed its units to prepare for the possible issuance of an arrest warrant against those accused in connection with the disappearance of dozens of cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros, between 2021 and 2022.

In a statement Thursday, PNP acting chief P/LtGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and local police units have been instructed to ensure readiness once the Department of Justice (DOJ) releases its resolution on the case.

“The PNP has prepared security and monitoring measures to ensure peace and order once the resolution is released,” he said.

“The PNP is always ready to enforce the law once the proper judicial processes are completed. Once an arrest warrant is issued, the PNP will immediately act in coordination with the concerned units and the courts to ensure its proper and lawful implementation,” he added.

The DOJ earlier announced that the murder and kidnapping complaint filed against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and several others had been submitted for resolution.

Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Charlie Guhit said the panel of prosecutors has completed the preliminary investigation after the complainants chose not to file a reply to the counter-affidavits of the respondents.

“The panel declared that the preliminary investigation is already submitted for resolution,” Guhit said in an ambush interview.

The complaint includes charges of kidnapping with serious illegal detention, multiple murder, and other related offenses.

A total of 57 respondents submitted counter-affidavits, including Ang, actress Gretchen Barretto, and retired Police General Jonnel Estomo, former chief of the National Capital Region Police Office. All have denied the allegations against them.

Once the DOJ panel finalizes its resolution, prosecutors will determine whether the case should be filed in court or dismissed for lack of sufficient evidence.

The case stems from the disappearance of 34 sabungeros who went missing in separate incidents from 2021 to 2022. Police investigations suggest that the victims were abducted over alleged match-fixing or cheating in cockfighting matches.

Whistleblower and co-accused Julie “Dondon” Patidongan earlier claimed that the missing men were killed and buried in Taal Lake.

Further, the DOJ reported that around 887 human bones have been recovered from the lake as of 21 October, though forensic verification is still underway.

Patidongan also identified Ang as an alleged mastermind in the case.

Ang has vehemently denied the accusations, with his camp asserting that the evidence presented “lacks credibility.” His legal team has also expressed hope that the complaint would be returned to the PNP for further investigation.

On August 1, multiple complaints, including murder, serious illegal detention, enforced disappearance, direct bribery, and obstruction of justice, were filed against Ang and other respondents.