Criminal charges have been filed against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang in connection with the long-running case of the missing sabungeros (cockfight enthusiasts), pushing one of the country’s most notorious disappearances closer to trial.

The Department of Justice (DoJ) confirmed Monday that informations for 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide and 16 counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention were filed on Friday, 22 December, before three regional trial courts: the Regional Trial Court of Lipa City, the RTC of Sta. Cruz, Laguna, and the RTC of San Pablo City, Laguna.

DoJ spokesperson Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic Martinez said the issuance of arrest warrants now rested with the courts.

“Under the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure, the courts where the informations are filed will issue the corresponding warrants of arrest upon their determination of the existence of probable cause based on the evidence submitted and the resolution by the panel of prosecutors,” Martinez said.

He added that, as of Monday, there was no update yet on whether the courts had determined probable cause.

Martinez  noted that the cases fall under Department Circular 015, series of 2024, which requires motions for reconsideration to be resolved within 30 days.

Arrest looms

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said authorities expect the arrest warrant against Ang to be issued soon.

“It’s supposed to be anytime now. We’re just waiting for the judge to fully appreciate the facts of the case, and I think it will be anytime now,” Remulla said in a television interview.

Asked if Ang might be arrested before Christmas, Remulla replied, “Hopefully.”

Earlier this month, the DoJ found prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction to indict Ang, citing testimonies and other evidence gathered during the reinvestigation of the disappearances linked to illegal cockfighting operations.

Whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as “Totoy,” has identified Ang as the alleged mastermind behind the abduction and killing of dozens of cockfight enthusiasts in 2021 and 2022.