Ang Embroiled in ‘Missing Sabungeros’ Scandal; DOJ Orders Multiple Charges

Kidnapping with Homicide: The DOJ Finds “Prima Facie” Evidence Against Atong Ang and 25 Others, Signaling a Major Legal Battle

Ang Embroiled in ‘Missing Sabungeros’ Scandal; DOJ Orders Multiple Charges

By Wilma N. Yamzon – TheNATIONWEEK.Com. | December 11, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – Controversial businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, a figure synonymous with high-stakes gambling and political influence, is facing a legal firestorm as the Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the filing of multiple charges against him and 21 others in connection with the disappearance of several individuals involved in “sabong,” or cockfighting.

The DOJ’s announcement on Tuesday marks a significant escalation in the long-running investigation into the “missing sabungeros,” a case that has captivated the nation and raised serious questions about corruption and impunity within the Philippine legal system.

According to DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez, the charges, encompassing 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide, have been filed in three Regional Trial Courts (RTCs) in Lipa City in Batangas and Sta. Cruz and San Pablo in Laguna.

The DOJ has withheld the full resolution pending notification of the respondents and the filing of motions for reconsideration.

A DOJ press statement revealed that a panel of prosecutors has established “prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction” to indict the following individuals on 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide:

• Police Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Jay Orapa
• Rogelio Borican Jr.
• Rodelo Anig-ig
• Mark Carlo Zabala
• Ronquillo Anding
• Police Senior Master Sergeant Joey Natanauan Encarnacion
• Police Executive Master Sergeant Aaron Cabillan
• Police Master Sergeant Michael Jaictin Claveria
• Police Senior Master Sergeant Mark Anthony Aguilo Manrique
• Police Senior Master Sergeant Anderson Orozco Abary
• Police Staff Sergeant Edmon Hernandez Muñoz
• Police Major Philip Almedilla
• Police Lieutenant Henry Sasaluya
• Police Chief Master Sergeant Arturo Dela Cruz
• Police Senior Master Sergeant Farvy Opalla Dela Cruz
• Police Senior Staff Sergeant Alfredo Uy Andes
• Police Corporal Angel Joseph Martin
• Jezrel Lazarte Mahilum
• Emman Cayunda Falle
• Julious Tagalog Gumulon
• Police Master Sergeant Renan Lagrosa Fulgencio

In addition to the charges of kidnapping with homicide, several individuals, including Orapa, Claveria, Anig-ig, Borican Jr., Andes, Almedilla, Encarnacion, and Cabillan, are also facing charges of kidnapping with serious illegal detention, along with unnamed “John Does.”

While the DOJ has moved forward with charges against these individuals, the statement also indicated that cases against other respondents have been “dismissed without prejudice,” leaving the door open for future refiling should additional evidence emerge directly linking them to unlawful detentions.

The involvement of police officers in the alleged crimes has ignited public outrage and fueled concerns about the integrity of law enforcement.

The case has also placed Ang under intense scrutiny.

The outcome of the legal proceedings is expected to have significant implications for the future of the “sabong” industry and the fight against corruption in the country.

The public awaits further developments, demanding justice for the “missing sabungeros” and accountability for those involved in their disappearance.