Second arrest warrant issued vs Atong Ang in sabungero cases

A second warrant of arrest has been issued by a Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Lipa City, Batangas, against 21 individuals, including businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, in connection with kidnapping with homicide cases linked to the disappearance of several sabungeros. The offense is non-bailable under Philippine law.

In an order dated 15 January 2026, Presiding Judge Pamela Torres Chavez-Izon of RTC Branch 13 directed law enforcement authorities to arrest the accused in Criminal Case Nos. 12-1402-2025 to 12-1407-2025.

Ang was named as the principal accused among the 21 individuals listed in the court order.

His co-accused include Ryan Jay Eliab Orapa, Alfredo Uy Andes, Henry Samar Sasaluya, Farvy Opalla Dela Cruz, among others, with addresses in Mandaluyong, Pasig, and Muntinlupa in the National Capital Region.

The court declared the charges non-bailable under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act No. 7659.

In line with Supreme Court guidelines, arresting officers were ordered to use body-worn cameras and at least one additional recording device during the execution of the warrants.

The latest warrant follows the arrest order issued on 13 January by RTC Branch 26 in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, which also named Ang and 17 others in connection with the disappearance of sabungeros.

Ang’s lawyer, Gabriel Villareal, said Friday he advised his client not to surrender to authorities while legal remedies remain available.

In a radio interview, Villareal said Ang should not be treated as a criminal, noting that he has yet to face trial or be declared guilty.

“Bakit naman niya ipagsasapalaran ang sarili niya sa pagsuko? Marami pa siyang natitirang judicial remedies. Hindi naman dapat siyang tinutugis na parang isang kriminal. Wala pa naman tayong trial at declaration of guilt para kay Mr. Ang,” Villareal said.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) earlier offered a P10-million reward for information leading to Ang’s arrest over his alleged involvement in the disappearance of dozens of cockfighting enthusiasts.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said authorities consider Ang “armed and dangerous,” citing intelligence reports that he was traveling with at least 20 bodyguards despite the cancellation of his firearm licenses by the Philippine National Police.

Villareal disputed the claim, calling the “armed and dangerous” tag baseless and risky.

“Parang naghahanap tayo ng dahilan at pamamaraan para mapalabas na si Mr. Ang ay nanlaban,” he said.

The lawyer added that he has filed an omnibus motion before the Sta. Cruz RTC seeking reconsideration of the earlier warrants of arrest, citing alleged procedural lapses during the preliminary investigation.