A court in Laguna has issued an arrest warrant against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang for his alleged involvement in the disappearance of dozens of sabungeros, or cockfighting enthusiasts.
Ang is facing charges of kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping before three Regional Trial Courts in Lipa City, Batangas, and in Sta. Cruz and San Pablo, Laguna. The warrant for the non-bailable kidnapping with homicide case was issued by the Sta. Cruz, Laguna Regional Trial Court Branch 26.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said dedicated 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.
Department of Justice (DOJ) Spokesperson Mico Clavano said an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order had earlier been issued to alert authorities of any attempt by the accused to leave the country. Following the issuance of the arrest warrant, the prosecution will move for the issuance of a Hold Departure Order to ensure the accused face trial, he added.
The arrest order, dated January 13, 2026, was issued by Presiding Judge Mary Jean Cajandab-Ong and addressed to “any officer of the law.” The judge directed arresting officers to use body-worn cameras and an alternative recording device in accordance with Supreme Court rules.
Aside from Ang, the court also ordered the arrest of 17 other individuals, including Rogelio Borican Jr., Jezrel Mahilum, Mark Carlo Zabala, Rodelo Anig-ig, Emman Falle, Julios Gumolon, Ronquillo Anding, Ryan Jay Orapa, Aaron Ezrah Cabillan, Mark Anthony Manrique, Anderson Abary, Michael Claveria, Edmon Muñoz, Farvy Dela Cruz, Renan Fulgencio, Alfredo Andes, and Joey Encarnacion.
In two separate orders, the court also directed the arrest of Ang and several co-accused for kidnapping and serious illegal detention.
The case stems from the 2022 wave of disappearances involving individuals linked to the country’s cockfighting industry. The issue resurfaced last year after whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as “Totoy,” claimed to know where bodies were allegedly submerged in Taal Lake and alleged that up to 100 people were killed over match-fixing.
Patidongan has identified Ang, his former employer, as the alleged mastermind behind the disappearances. Ang has repeatedly denied the accusations.
Cockfighting, which is banned in many countries, expanded online during the COVID-19 pandemic, attracting a surge of gamblers using mobile platforms. Although former President Rodrigo Duterte banned the livestreaming of cockfights before leaving office in 2022, the practice has reportedly continued due to weak enforcement.
