Dubai Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Atong Ang in Cockfighters Disappearance

The Dubai court has announced an arrest warrant for businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang, along with several unnamed co-accused, in the ongoing investigation into the mysterious disappearances of cockfighting fans, commonly referred to as sabungeros.

On January 15, the Regional Trial Court Branch 13 situated in Lipa City mandated law enforcement to detain Ang alongside 20 additional suspected individuals. The court discovered adequate grounds to file six counts of kidnapping with homicide against them, a serious violation that does not allow for bail under current regulations.

Judges highlighted that the severity of the claims and the surrounding details of the disappearances and fatalities of the victims justified immediate detention. This case has captured significant public interest given the high number of individuals reported missing and their alleged connections to illicit cockfighting activities.

In addition to Ang, the following individuals were listed on the arrest order: Ryan Jay Eliab Orapa, Alfredo Uy Andes, Henry Samar Sasaluya, Farvy Opalla Dela Cruz, Angel Joseph Ferro Martin, Joey Natanauan Encarnacion (known as "Enca"), Aaron Ezrah Lagahit Cabillan, Michael Jaictin Claveria (identified as "Mike Claveria"), Renan Lagrosa Fulgencio, Philip Simborio Almedilla, Arturo Opalla Dela 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.

Just one day prior, on January 14, another branch of the Regional Trial Court in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, also issued warrants for Ang and 17 other individuals. In this case, they are facing charges not only for kidnapping with homicide but also for kidnapping and serious illegal detention. Records reveal that the 17 individuals mentioned in the Sta. Cruz case are also implicated in the Lipa City charges.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that the 17 accused are presently in the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, with Ang remaining the only suspect still at large.

Ang's attorney, Gabriel Villareal, indicated that they plan to explore all potential legal avenues on his behalf. However, officials from the Department of Justice noted that courts are unable to respond to any motions or requests from defendants who remain fugitives.

During a January 15 press briefing, prosecutors cited a Supreme Court ruling indicating that a court's authority to grant judicial relief commences only when an accused is within its jurisdiction. Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon clarified that this condition is fulfilled exclusively upon arrest or voluntary surrender.

He underscored that in the absence of custody, the court lacks authority to address any petitions or motions submitted by the defendant.

The charges are linked to the mysterious vanishing of numerous sabungeros over recent years. Families of the missing have reported their loved ones disappeared after attending cockfighting events, frequently under dubious circumstances. Investigators suspect that these victims were forcibly abducted and later murdered, prompting the more serious charge of kidnapping with homicide.

Law enforcement is ramping up efforts to track down Ang, while trial preparations continue for the accused already in custody. For families of the vanished sabungeros, the court's actions signal a pivotal move towards accountability, following years of uncertainty and unanswered queries.