RTC orders arrest of Atong Ang over missing sabungeros

A Laguna court has issued an arrest warrant against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang over his alleged involvement in the disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts, commonly referred to as the “missing sabungeros.”

Ang is facing charges of kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping before three Regional Trial Courts: Lipa City in Batangas, and Sta. Cruz and San Pablo in Laguna.

The Regional Trial Court Branch 26, Sta. Cruz issued the arrest warrant for Ang’s non-bailable kidnapping with homicide case. The warrant, dated 13 January 2026, was signed by Presiding Judge Mary Jean Cajandab-Ong and addressed to “any officer of the law.”

The judge directed law enforcers serving the warrant to strictly follow Supreme Court rules on the use of recording equipment during operations. Officers were instructed to use “at least one body-worn camera and one alternative recording device pursuant to the Rules on the Use of Body-Worn Cameras in the Execution of Warrants issued by the Supreme Court.”

The Philippine National Police said teams have been deployed to serve the arrest warrant. PNP Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said the warrant would be implemented at Ang’s identified locations.

“Dedicated teams of PNP are now on their way” to enforce the warrant, the police said.

Meanwhile, Justice Department spokesperson Polo Martinez said an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order had already been issued to alert authorities of any attempt by the accused to leave the country.

“Following the issuance today of the arrest warrant by RTC Sta. Cruz, the prosecution shall forthwith move for the issuance of a Hold Departure Order (HDO) with the court and ensure that all the accused stand trial,” Martinez said.

The disappearance of several sabungeros began in 2022, during a period when the country’s cockfighting industry experienced a surge in activity. Public attention intensified last year after whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as “Totoy,” claimed to know where bodies of the missing individuals were allegedly submerged in Taal Lake.

Patidongan alleged that as many as 100 people were killed over suspected match-fixing and identified Ang, his former employer, as the alleged mastermind behind the disappearances. Ang has repeatedly denied the accusations.

Cockfighting remained active during the COVID-19 pandemic through online platforms that allowed gamblers to place wagers via mobile phones. The livestreaming of cockfights was later banned by former President Rodrigo Duterte before the end of his term in 2022.