DOJ: No arrest warrant yet vs Atong Ang in sabungero cases

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday said there is still no arrest warrant issued against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and several others implicated in the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts, weeks after prosecutors approved the filing of charges before local courts.

DOJ spokesperson Assistant Secretary Atty. Polo Martinez said the department has yet to receive copies of any arrest warrants from the courts handling the cases.

“As of 10 a.m. today (Tuesday), we have not yet been furnished copies of the warrants by the courts,” Martinez said when asked for an update on the status of the cases.

The DOJ official clarified that, as of now, no arrest warrants have been issued against Ang and his co-accused.

Martinez said the DOJ would be formally notified once warrants are released, served, and the accused are taken into custody.

“Yes, there would be notice to us once a warrant has been issued, served and the accused arrested,” Martinez said.

He added that arraignment proceedings would be scheduled immediately after the arrest of the accused.

The DOJ earlier indicted Ang and several others in connection with the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros, a case that has drawn widespread public attention and scrutiny.

The department said it continues to await official court action on the issuance of arrest warrants.