Atong Ang and 17 others ordered arrested by Laguna court in missing sabungeros case

• The Sta. Cruz RTC Branch 26 has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against Atong Ang and 17 others for kidnapping with h0micide
• Presiding Judge Mary Jean T. Cajandab-Ong mandated the use of body cameras by police during the execution of the high-profile arrest
• The charges are linked to the 2022 disappearance of cockfighting aficionados, a case that has gripped the nation for nearly four years
• Authorities are now targeting multiple addresses in Laguna and Batangas following the Department of Justice's formal indictment

In a significant legal development that has reignited public interest in the "missing sabungeros" saga, a Laguna court has officially ordered the arrest of gaming tycoon Charlie "Atong" Ang and 17 other individuals.

The order, issued on January 13, 2026, by the Sta. Cruz Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 26, stems from grave allegations of kidnapping with h0micide—a charge that carries no possibility of bail under Philippine law.

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Presiding Judge Mary Jean T. Cajandab-Ong signed the order after finding probable cause to proceed with the trial.

The warrant specifically targets Ang and his co-accused for their alleged involvement in the mysterious disappearance and deaths of several cockfighting enthusiasts in 2022.

Unlike standard criminal cases where defendants can remain free during trial by paying a bond, the court has explicitly categorized this case as non-bailable, meaning those arrested must remain in custody for the duration of the proceedings.

The court's directive extends beyond the suspects to the law enforcement officers tasked with their capture.

In a move toward greater transparency, the judge mandated the strict use of body-worn cameras and alternative recording devices during the execution of the arrests.

This requirement is intended to document the process and protect the rights of all involved parties, ensuring that the high-profile operation is conducted by the book.

This latest court action follows the Department of Justice's (DOJ) formal indictment in December 2025.

The charges were largely bolstered by the chilling testimony of whistleblowers, including former employee Julie “Dondon” Patidongan.

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The whistleblowers alleged a systematic operation where "cheating" gamblers were abducted, with some bodies reportedly submerged in Taal Lake.

While Atong Ang has consistently denied any masterminding of these disappearances, the issuance of the warrant marks a critical shift from investigation to active prosecution.

Law enforcement agencies, including the PNP’s Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM), have been furnished with the documents to begin the manhunt across various locations in Laguna, Batangas, and Muntinlupa City.

In other news, a dedicated barangay watchman from Tula-Tula, Rey Agripa Besmejo, has earned widespread admiration for turning over a lost wallet containing ₱9,350 to local authorities. Rather than pocketing the significant sum of cash he discovered, Besmejo immediately sought police assistance to ensure the funds reached the rightful owner. The Legazpi City Police officially lauded the watchman's moral character, citing his actions as an inspiring example of honesty for the entire community. The owner, Rico Marvin Prellegera, successfully reclaimed his property and expressed deep gratitude to Besmejo, whose story has since gone viral among supportive netizens.

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Meanwhile in other news, a security guard's life was tragically cut short after he was shot while resting inside a company stockhouse located in Barangay Mabuhay. Law enforcement officials have identified two individuals as persons of interest, both of whom were reportedly involved in recent verbal altercations with the victim. One person of interest was a recent drinking associate, while a fellow security officer—who had a known rivalry with the deceased—has been tested for gunpowder residue.

Source: KAMI.com.gh