DOJ finds sufficient evidence to charge Atong Ang for multiple counts of kidnapping
The Department of Justice has now found sufficient evidence to charge businessman Charlie Tiu "Atong" Ang and other respondents for kidnapping with homicide and/or kidnapping with serious illegal detention in connection with the case of the missing sabungeros.
In a news release on the agency's website, the DOJ's panel of prosecutors has found prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction to indict Ang and 25 other individuals with a total of ten counts of kidnapping with homicide.
The respondents are as follows:
- Charlie Tiu Hay Ang @ Atong Ang
- PLtCol. Ryan Jay Orapa
- Rogelio Teodoso Borican Jr.
- Rodelo Anig-ig
- Jezrel Mahilum
- Mark Carlo Zabala
- Ronquillo Anding
- Mark Carlo Zabala
- PSMS Joey Natanauan 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 Sasaluya
- 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
Additionally, they also found prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction to indict the gaming tycoon and nine others with 16 counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention.
The respondents are as follows:
- Charlie Tiu Hay Ang @ Atong Ang
- PLtCol. Ryan Jay Orapa
- PMSg Michael Jacitin Claveria
- Rodelo Anig-ig
- Rogelio Borican Jr.
- PSSG Alfredo Uy Andres
- PMaj Philip Simborio Almedilla
- PSMS Joey Encarnacion
- PEMS Aaron Ezrah Lagahit Cabillan
- John Does (referring to the unidentified policemen belonging to the group of PLtCol. Ryan Jay Orapa)
A total of 26 informations will now be filed with the appropriate courts of law for the conduct of trial.
"As to the other respondents, the case/s were dismissed without prejudice to the re-filing of any complaint with the Department of Justice should future evidence arise linking them directly to the acts of unlawful detention," the DOJ stated.
"With this development, the Department of Justice prays that the courts exact justice on those who should be held accountable," they added.
Missing sabungeros case
Ang's involvement in the infamous missing sabungeros case came after whistleblower Julie "Dondon" Patidongan accused him, along with Gretchen Barretto, Eric Dela Rosa, and Celso Salazar, of being the masterminds in the case.
Patidongan, who said he has been working for Ang for 15 years, alleged that Ang is the chairman of the pit master.
"Siya ang mastermind, at siya ang nag-uutos na talagang iligpit ang mga 'yan," he said, adding that the police would go to the cockfight arena to take away the victims who allegedly cheated.
Ang had since denied his involvement in the case and filed formal complaints against Patidongan for attempted robbery, violence and intimidation, grave threats, grave coercion, and incriminating innocent people.
His legal counsel, Atty. Lorna Kapunan, asserted, "Wala naman kaming history na pumapatay ng tao—paano mangyayari 'yan?"
Ang's camp also appealed to the public and the media to "respectfully urge everyone to refrain from spreading misinformation or drawing conclusions without evidence. This right to due process must be preserved, and trial by publicity must be avoided."
However, the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor's Office had dismissed the complaints due to lack of necessary factual details and sufficient proof to establish the alleged crimes.
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., in his fourth State of the Nation Address, assured the public that the government is working to solve the case of the missing sabungeros.