Philippine authorities have arrested 15 suspects in connection with the high-profile case of the missing cockfighting enthusiasts, or “sabungeros,” following the issuance of arrest warrants by the Sta. Cruz Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 26, RH Edniel Parrosa reported.
The warrants were served for non-bailable charges of kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping with serious illegal detention against businessman and gaming operator Charlie “Atong” Ang and 17 others, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Police Major General Robert Alexander A. Morico II confirmed at Camp Crame that those arrested include nine police officers who were earlier placed under restrictive custody, as well as six civilians. The civilians were identified as security personnel and employees linked to Ang’s cockfighting operations.
PNP monitoring indicates that Ang, a well-known gaming lord, has not left the country. Authorities said he is currently believed to be staying in different areas, prompting intensified operations to locate and arrest him.
Three other suspects remain at large, while police teams have been deployed to various locations nationwide to serve the remaining warrants of arrest.
The case stems from the disappearance of several sabungeros between 2021 and 2022, which sparked public outrage and calls for accountability. The PNP said the arrests mark a significant development in the long-running investigation, vowing to pursue all remaining suspects and ensure justice for the victims and their families.
