A regional court in Batangas issued a fresh arrest warrant on January 15, 2026, targeting businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and several co-accused in connection with the high-profile kidnapping and homicide case that has gripped the country. The warrant, issued by the Lipa City Regional Trial Court, marks a significant escalation in the relentless pursuit of Ang, who remains at large amid mounting evidence linking him to the disappearance and deaths of sabungeros, or cockfighting enthusiasts.
Batangas Court Intensifies Manhunt with New Arrest Warrant
The Lipa City Regional Trial Court Branch 13, presided over by Judge Pamela Torres Chavez-Izon, issued an arrest warrant against Charlie “Atong” Ang and 20 others for multiple counts of kidnapping with homicide. These charges build on prior warrants issued in Laguna courts and reflect the serious gravity of the case, which involves the abduction and deaths of at least 10 victims and the disappearance of 16 more. Authorities have reiterated that these charges are non-bailable, underscoring the severity of the offenses.
Co-Accused Apprehended as Nationwide Hunt for Atong Ang Continues
As of January 15, law enforcement agencies, including the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Department of Justice (DOJ), have successfully arrested between 17 and 20 co-accused individuals. Among those detained are 10 police officers, nine of whom are currently held at Camp Crame, alongside several civilians from Laguna and Batangas provinces. Despite these arrests, Ang remains the lone fugitive in the operation, with searches at his known residences in Mandaluyong City, Lipa City, and other locations across Visayas and Mindanao yielding no trace.
Charges Detail Kidnapping, Homicide Linked to Sabungeros’ Disappearances
The legal action centers on serious offenses involving 15 counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention and four counts of kidnapping with homicide linked to the deaths of victims Ferdinand D., Mark Ferdinand, Melbert Santos, and Manny Magua. These charges stem from an DOJ filing on December 19, 2025, before the RTCs in Sta. Cruz, San Pablo (Laguna), and Lipa City (Batangas). The cases invoke provisions of the Revised Penal Code, specifically Article 267 as amended by Republic Act No. 7659, making such crimes punishable by long imprisonment or death.
Authorities Confirm Ang Remains in Philippines, Issue Reward for Arrest
Officials stress that Ang has not left the country. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) records confirm no record of departure, with a hold-departure order soon to be enforced. NBI Deputy Director Jose Justo Yap emphasized, “Walang information na nakaalis na siya. And that is being reinforced by the statements and the records of the Bureau of Immigration… information from reliable sources na hindi pa nakakalis.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced a P10 million reward for information leading to Ang’s capture and has labeled him a top fugitive. The PNP-CIDG is also coordinating with Interpol to issue a red notice should Ang attempt to escape abroad.
Manhunt Expands with High-Level Interagency Coordination
The pursuit of Ang is described as a top priority among government agencies, with the PNP-CIDG’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group leading the operational efforts. Major General Alexander Mor II, CIDG Director, is working closely with the BI and NBI to track leads and intensify searches nationwide. NBI spokesperson Palmar Mallari confirmed, “We have, actually, addresses where supposedly some of the accused and even Charlie ‘Atong’ Ang were supposedly last seen.”
Sabungero Community Awaits Justice amid Public Anxiety
The case revived public concern stemming from the mysterious disappearance of sabungeros, whose passion for cockfighting weaves through rural Filipino culture, particularly around Calabarzon provinces. Families of victims seek closure as law enforcement’s decisive crackdown offers partial reassurance. The ongoing police operations inevitably affect daily life, with increased checkpoints and law enforcement presence slowing transport and commerce in Batangas, Laguna, and neighboring areas.
Legal Implications and Societal Impact
The charges against Ang and his cohorts represent a rare and stringent application of Philippine law to crimes involving kidnapping tied to homicide, emphasizing the government’s zero-tolerance stance. The non-bailable offenses under the Revised Penal Code underscore the gravity of the accusations, reflecting a judicial determination to deliver swift and unambiguous justice.
For the working-class masa who fill sabong arenas, many of whom rely on small bets as supplemental income, this unfolding saga threatens to destabilize a cherished pastime. The shadow cast by these disappearances over the sabong community has bred mistrust, while the escalating authorities’ crackdown reverberates through local economies.
Government Urges Surrender and Continued Public Vigilance
Authorities have urged Charlie “Atong” Ang to surrender peacefully to prevent further escalation, while assuring the public that the arrest of numerous co-accused brings them closer to dismantling the entire network behind the criminal activities. The intensive interagency operations and public engagement, buoyed by the substantial reward bounty, signal a comprehensive approach to ending this chapter of violence and impunity.
