UPDATE: A Philippine court has just ordered the arrest of gaming tycoon Charlie ‘Atong’ Ang and 17 others in a shocking case tied to the disappearance of cockfighters, escalating a controversy that has gripped the nation since 2021. The arrest warrant, issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 26 in Santa Cruz, Laguna, centers on grave allegations of kidnapping with homicide, a non-bailable offense under Philippine law.
This urgent development comes on the heels of a court document dated January 13, 2026, which confirms that bail is explicitly denied due to the seriousness of the charges. The warrant was signed by Judge Mary Jean T. Cajandab-Ong and forwarded to the Philippine National Police for immediate execution, emphasizing the need for accountability in this high-profile case.
Authorities report that the allegations are connected to the mysterious disappearances of at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts, known locally as sabungeros, who have been missing since 2021. Prosecutors have linked Ang and his co-accused to multiple counts related to these disappearances, significantly intensifying public pressure for justice.
The case has taken a troubling turn as allegations against Ang have been compounded by claims from a former employee and whistleblower, who identified him as the alleged mastermind behind the vanishings. This assertion, combined with reports of law enforcement personnel being among the accused, raises significant questions about corruption and accountability in the cockfighting industry.
The warrant was made public on January 14, and the court’s no-bail ruling marks a pivotal moment in a case that has provoked outrage and concern among families of the missing and the public at large. Many of these families have been calling for justice for years, underscoring the emotional toll of the ongoing saga.
The missing cockfighters case has been a national issue, with the Department of Justice previously filing kidnapping charges in December, indicating they have found prima facie evidence against Ang and others. With the arrest warrant now issued and bail denied, the focus shifts to law enforcement’s efforts to apprehend the accused and bring them to court.
As this story develops, the implications for public trust in the justice system and the broader scrutiny of the cockfighting industry continue to mount. Legal and social ramifications could reshape perceptions of power dynamics in the Philippines, particularly in cases involving wealth and influence.
The arrest warrant’s issuance signifies a critical juncture in a case that has lingered unresolved for years. As families await justice, the national focus sharpens on how authorities will manage this complex and emotionally charged investigation. Expect further updates as law enforcement prepares to act on this landmark ruling.
