The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has made a significant breakthrough in the high-profile kidnapping with homicide cases involving missing cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros. In a major operation, authorities have taken into custody 15 individuals linked to businessman and gaming tycoon Charlie "Atong" Ang.
Major Arrests Include Active Policemen
During a press conference held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, CIDG director Major General Robert Alexander Morico II revealed the identities of those arrested. Out of the 15 individuals, 10 are currently serving members of the Philippine National Police (PNP). The remaining six are civilians.
Morico clarified that the ten policemen were already under the restrictive custody of the PNP before the official arrest warrants were issued. The warrants came from Branch 26 of the Sta. Cruz, Laguna Regional Trial Court on January 13, 2026.
Surveillance Leads to Civilian Arrests
The six civilians were apprehended following sustained surveillance operations. "Some of them are security, some of them are employees nung sabungan," Morico stated, indicating their roles were connected to cockfighting operations. Their monitoring began even prior to the court issuing the arrest warrants.
Despite this progress, three key suspects remain at large. The fugitives include the alleged mastermind, Charlie "Atong" Ang, a dismissed policeman, and another civilian. A nationwide manhunt is actively underway.
Nationwide Manhunt and Call for Surrender
Authorities are focusing their search on Ang's known properties across the Philippines, believing he is still in the country. Morico issued a direct appeal for Ang to surrender peacefully, warning those who might obstruct the lawful arrest.
"It is a lawful order coming from the court," Morico emphasized. "Anybody who will prevent us, we will be arresting you for obstruction of justice... That's why I am asking him to peacefully surrender." He specifically noted that some properties housing the suspects are in private subdivisions with security and lawyers present.
Ang is accused of being the mastermind behind the disappearance of several sabungeros between 2021 and 2022. He allegedly ordered their abduction and killing, with victims' bodies reportedly dumped in Taal Lake.
