The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday found prima facie evidence with what it described as a “reasonable certainty of conviction” to file criminal charges against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and more than twenty other respondents in connection with the disappearance of several sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) between 2021 and 2022.

According to the DOJ’s Panel of Prosecutors, Ang and the other respondents will be recommended for indictment on 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide,

The cases will reportedly be filed before various Regional Trial Courts, including those in Lipa City, Santa Cruz, Laguna, and San Pablo City.

Among the respondents recommended for charges are several police officers, including:

• PLtCol. Ryan Jay Orapa
• Rogelio Teodoso Borican Jr.
• Rodelo Anig-ig
• Jezrel Mahilum
• Mark Carlo Zabala
• Ronquillo Anding
• Mark Carlo Zabala
• PSMS Joey Natanuan Encarnacion
• PEMS Aaron Ezrah Lagahit Cabillan
• PMSg Michael Jaictin Claveria
• PSMS Mark Anthony Aguilo Manrique
• PSMS Anderson Orozco Abary
• PSSG Edmon Hernandez Muñoz
• PSSG Alfredo Uy Andres
• PMaj Philip Almedilla
• PLT Henry Sasaluyа
• PCMS Arturo Dela Cruz
• PSMS Farvy Opalla Dela Cruz
• PSSG Alfredo Uy Andes
• PSMS Joey Encarnacion
• PCpl. Angel Joseph Martin
• Jezrel Lazarte Mahilum
• Emman Cayunda Falle
• Julious Tagalog Gumulon
• PMSg Renan Lagrosa Fulgencio

While for 16 counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention;

• Ang
• Orapa
• Claveria
• Anig-ig
• Borican
• Andres
• Almedilla
• Encarnacion
• Cabillan
• John Does (referring to the unidentified policemen belonging to the Orapa's group)

"A total of 26 informations shall be filed with the appropriate courts of law for the conduct of trial," the resolution read.

The panel of prosecutors said the recommendation was based in part on the testimonies of whistleblowers, including Julie, Dondon Patidongan, and his siblings Ella Kim and Jose, along with statements from another alleged member of Ang’s group.

Patidongan claimed Ang masterminded the abductions of multiple sabungeros in Bulacan, Manila, Laguna, and Batangas, and further alleged that the victims had been killed and their bodies dumped in Taal Lake.

These assertions are part of the evidence evaluated by prosecutors but have not been proven in court.

The DOJ clarified that several individuals previously linked to the controversy are not included among those recommended for indictment, including actress Gretchen Barretto, former NCRPO chief Gen. Jonnel Estomo, and Ang’s relatives.

Ang’s camp denies allegations

Ang has previously denied all accusations against him. His lawyer, Atty. Gabriel Villareal, criticized the DOJ recommendation as “defective” and “unfair,” saying the legal team will file a motion for reconsideration in an effort to overturn the findings.

The DOJ’s move comes after months of preliminary investigation into one of the country’s most widely followed missing persons cases, which has drawn national attention and calls for accountability from the families of the disappeared sabungeros.