Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has criticized the Senate for what he described as a "lack of seriousness" in handling the case of missing cockfighters, or “sabungeros,” particularly under the leadership of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.
Remulla said that during the previous probe led by Dela Rosa, the case was treated lightly, almost as if it were a game, before it was eventually handed over to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for further investigation.
Speaking on the program #DZRHExecutiveSession, Remulla revealed that the government spent over 43 months preparing to serve an arrest warrant against gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang, and began the investigation as soon as he assumed office at the Department of Justice (DOJ) under the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“Itong warrant of arrest kay Atong Ang, 43 months [namin] trinabaho. Pagkaupo ko sa BBM administration, sa first day, sinimulan natin ‘yan, ang hirap kaya ng pinagdaanan diyan,” Remulla said.
"Walang gustong gumalaw [ng kaso] at ginawa nilang laro-laro lang sa Senate under [Senator] Bato."
He added that over time, fewer families have come forward, citing alleged private settlements.
“Pakonti nang pakonti ang lumalapit sa amin na pamilya kasi inareglo nang inareglo,” he said
“Ito po ay responsiblidad ng estado, hindi na po ito private crime this is already public interest. Kaya kahit umareglo sa ibang tao ‘yan ang aming trabaho [ay] magkaroon pa rin ng hustisya. Kasi kapag hindi namin ginawa ang hustisya magtutuloy-tuloy ang kalokohan niyan. Papatay nang papatay ng tao ‘yan, walang tigil,” Remulla added added.
Remulla also acknowledged the role of former chief of Philippine National Police Directorate for Investigation and DOJ Assistant Secretary Eliseo D.C. Cruz and the CIDG in maintaining continuity in the investigation, even the case was described as a “cold case” due to its long duration.
Currently, two courts have issued arrest warrants against Ang. The Sta. Cruz, Laguna Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 26 issued a warrant for non-bailable kidnapping and serious illegal detention, while the RTC in Lipa City issued a second warrant in connection with multiple counts of kidnapping with homicide related to the disappearance.
In a related development, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced a ₱10‑million reward for information leading to Ang’s arrest. DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Ang is now considered the country’s “number one most wanted” individual.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it has intensified security and monitoring at major exit points nationwide.
Meanwhile, Ang’s lawyer, Atty. Gabriel Villareal, challenged the court order, calling it “premature” and legally questionable.
Atong Ang remains the sole suspect still at large among 18 individuals for whom Laguna courts have issued arrest orders in connection with the missing sabungeros case.
