A Laguna court has taken a decisive step in the long-running case of the missing cockfighting enthusiasts, issuing arrest warrants for prominent gaming tycoon Charlie "Atong" Ang and seventeen other individuals. The warrants, issued for the serious charge of kidnapping with homicide, mark a significant escalation in the legal proceedings surrounding the disappearances that occurred between 2021 and 2022.
Court Order and Accused Individuals
Branch 26 of the Sta. Cruz, Laguna Regional Trial Court handed down the arrest orders, with the court recommending no bail for the accused. The list of individuals named in the warrants includes both civilians and police personnel. Among those charged are Rogelio Teodoso Rorican Jr., Jezrel Lazarte Mahilim, Mark Carlo Evangelista Zabala, and several others. The Philippine National Police acting chief, Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., disclosed that at least ten of the individuals are police officers who are already under restrictive custody.
These officers have been directed to surrender to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). General Nartatez emphasized that dedicated PNP teams are now actively working to locate and serve the warrants on the remaining individuals, including Charlie Ang himself. "The location of Charlie Atong Ang [is] identified in our warrant of arrest, different locations, and it will be served in those locations," Nartatez stated during a press conference in Malacañang.
The Allegations and Key Witness
Charlie Ang has long been identified by investigators as the alleged mastermind behind the series of disappearances. The sabungeros were reportedly targeted after being accused of cheating in cockfighting operations. The case gained crucial momentum from the testimony of Ang's former security chief, Julie "Dondon" Patidongan. Patidongan's statements to government prosecutors were pivotal, as he claimed that the gaming tycoon directly ordered the abduction and killing of the missing individuals.
In a chilling revelation, Patidongan alleged that the bodies of many victims were disposed of in Taal Lake. Following this lead, investigators conducted searches in the lake area. However, to date, no physical evidence directly linked to the missing persons has been recovered from the water. This lack of corporeal evidence has been a challenge, making the testimonial evidence against Ang and the others even more critical for the prosecution.
Ongoing Police Operations and Case Implications
The issuance of arrest warrants signals that the judicial process is moving forward after years of investigation. The PNP's confirmation that teams are en route to implement the warrants underscores the high priority of the case. The charges of kidnapping with homicide carry severe penalties, reflecting the gravity of the alleged crimes which have gripped the nation and the sabong community.
This development represents a major test for the justice system in handling a complex case involving high-profile personalities and allegations against members of the police force. The public and the families of the missing sabungeros will be watching closely as authorities attempt to apprehend all the accused and as the court proceedings potentially unfold, seeking long-awaited answers and accountability.
