A Batangas court has taken a major step in the long-running case of the missing cockfighting enthusiasts, issuing an arrest warrant for prominent gaming tycoon Charlie "Atong" Ang and twenty other individuals. The charge is kidnapping with homicide, directly connecting them to the disappearance of several sabungeros between 2021 and 2022.
Court Order and Accused Individuals
Branch 13 of the Lipa City Regional Trial Court issued the warrant, naming Ang and twenty others. The list of accused includes Ryan Jay Eliab Orapa, Alfredo Uy Andes, Henry Samar Sasaluya, Farvy Opalla Dela Cruz, Angel Joseph Ferro Martin, and Joey Natanauan Encarnacion. Also named are Aaron Ezrah Lagahit Cabillan, Michael Jaictin Claveria, Mike Claveria, Renan Lagrosa Fulgencio, and Philip Simborio Almedilla.
The remaining individuals on the warrant are Arturo Opalla Dela Cruz Cruz Jr., Mark Anthony Aguilo Manrique, Anderson Orozco Abary, Edmon Hernandez Munoz, Rogelio Teodoso Borican Jr., Rodel Antipuesto Anig-Ig, Mark Carlo Evangelista Zabala, Jezrel Lazarte Mahilum, Emman Cayunda Falle, and Julios Tagalog Gumolon.
Overlapping Warrants and Manhunt
This development follows closely on the heels of a similar warrant from a Laguna court on January 13, 2026. Eighteen of the individuals, including Charlie Ang, were subjects of that earlier order. Authorities report that while the others named in the Laguna warrant have been apprehended, Charlie "Atong" Ang remains at large.
In a move to expedite his capture, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has announced a substantial P10 million bounty for information leading to Ang's arrest. He is alleged to be the mastermind behind the series of abductions that occurred during the peak of online cockfighting or e-sabong operations.
Key Testimony and Investigation
The case heavily relies on the testimony of Ang's former security chief, Julie "Dondon" Patidongan. According to Patidongan, the gaming tycoon directly ordered the abduction and killing of the missing sabungeros. He further claimed that the victims' bodies were disposed of in Taal Lake.
Following this lead, investigators conducted searches in the lake area. However, no evidence related to the case has been recovered from the water to date. The investigation continues as authorities pursue all individuals named in the warrants to bring closure to the families of the missing.
