The Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 26 of Sta. Cruz, Laguna has issued an arrest warrant against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and several others in connection the case of missing sabungeros.

The charges filed are for kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping with serious illegal detention.

During a press briefing at Malacañang on Wednesday, Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez confirmed the issuance of the warrant.

“Through that warrant of arrest against Charlie Ang, alias Atong Ang,kasalukuyang nagkocoordinate ang pulis doon sa concern branch 26, Santa Cruz, Laguna,” Nartatez said.

The PNP chief added that some of the individuals named in the warrant are already under restrictive custody of the PNP. Currently, about 10 to 11 police personnel are under restrictive custody and are now being directed to surrender to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

Nartatez added that specialized PNP teams are en route to implement the arrest warrants. He emphasized that authorities are aware of Ang’s whereabouts and are prepared to serve the warrant.

“We have certain procedures in implementing warrant of arrest…this is an implementation of warrant arrest mayroon tayong procedure and all PNP personnel involved are mandated na sundin ito,” Nartatez said.

In December 2025, the move follows a Department of Justice (DOJ) ruling which found "prima facie evidence" against Ang and more than 20 other respondents, including several police officers. The DOJ concluded there was a “reasonable certainty of conviction,” recommending criminal charges for 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide.

In addition to the kidnapping with homicide charges, Ang and nine others face 16 counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention.