Third arrest warrant issued for Atong Ang

A third arrest warrant has been issued by a regional trial court in San Pablo City, Laguna, against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang in connection with the disappearance of dozens of cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros.

The San Pablo City Regional Trial Court Branch 29, in an order dated 6 February 6, ordered the arrest of Ang and five others for kidnapping and serious illegal detention. The offenses are non-bailable.

Aside from Ang, also named in the warrant were Ryan Jay Orapa, Alfredo Uy Andres, Philip Simborio Almendilla, Joey Natanauan Encarnacion, and Aaron Ezrah Lagahit Cabillan.

The latest warrant adds to earlier arrest orders issued by other courts in Calabarzon.

To recall, on 13 January, the Sta. Cruz, Laguna RTC Branch 26 first ordered Ang’s arrest for the same case, followed by a warrant from the Lipa City RTC in Batangas on 15 January.

The charges stem from complaints filed by the families of missing sabungeros on 1 August 2025, over the disappearance of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts between 2021 and 2022.

Authorities have yet to arrest Ang, as he has remained at large since the first warrants were issued.

Earlier, Department of Justice (DOJ) Acting Secretary Frederrick Vida expressed confidence that gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang, who is currently facing kidnapping charges over the case of the missing sabungeros, is still in the country.

“Yes,” DOJ Acting Secretary Fredderick Vida said in an ambush interview on Tuesday when asked if they are confident that Ang is still in the Philippines.

“We have partners. We have member countries that are cooperating with us. And we are exploring all avenues—the diplomatic community… We are exploring all our channels there. And our record, still here. As of this time speaking. It is not in the BI (Bureau of Immigration),” he explained.

Meanwhile, when asked whether Ang had already left the country, especially given his businesses abroad, the DOJ acting chief said, “If we are talking about the realm of possibility, everything is possible.”

Meanwhile, the reward for information leading to the arrest of Ang has been raised to P20 million from P10 million.

This was announced Thursday by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla.