A regional court in Laguna has taken a decisive step in the high-profile case of the missing cockfighting enthusiasts, issuing arrest warrants for businessman and gaming tycoon Charlie "Atong" Ang and seventeen other individuals.
Court Orders Arrest in Kidnapping with Homicide Case
The warrants were released by Branch 26 of the Sta. Cruz, Laguna Regional Trial Court on January 14, 2026. The suspects face a non-bailable charge of kidnapping with homicide. This legal action stems from the mysterious disappearances of several sabongeros (cockfight enthusiasts) which occurred between 2021 and 2022. The victims were allegedly accused of welshing on bets or "nanikas."
The list of individuals named in the warrants includes: Rogelio Teodoso Rorican Jr., Jezrel Lazarte Mahillm, Mark Carlo Evangelista Zabala, Rodelo Antipuesto Anig-ig, Emman Cayunda Falle, Julios Tagalog Gumolon, Ronquillo Pacot Anding, Ryan Jay Eliab Orapa, Aaron Ezrah Lagahit Cabillan, Mark Anthony Aguilo Manrique, Anderson Orozco Abary, Michael Jaictin Claveria, Edmon Hernandez Muñoz, Farvy Opalla Dela Cruz, Renan Lagrosa Fulgencio, Alfredo Uy Andes, and Joey Natanauan Encarnacion.
Police Confirm Suspects in Restrictive Custody
In a Malacañang press conference, Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. provided a significant update. He confirmed that at least ten of the individuals named, who are police officers, are already under restrictive custody. These personnel have been ordered to report to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) as part of the ongoing probe.
Key Testimony Points to Alleged Mastermind
The case against Charlie "Atong" Ang gained substantial traction from the testimony of his former security chief, Julie "Dondon" Patidongan. Government prosecutors have heavily weighted Patidongan's statements, in which he reportedly confessed and pointed to the gaming tycoon as the alleged mastermind. According to these accounts, Ang is accused of ordering the abduction and killing of the sabongeros.
This development marks a critical juncture in a case that has gripped the nation, moving from investigation to active prosecution and bringing powerful figures under the scrutiny of the judicial system.
