Government prosecutors have moved forward with criminal charges against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and multiple alleged collaborators in connection with the disappearance and killing of cockfighting enthusiasts, according to a statement released by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The DOJ confirmed that Ang is set to answer 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide and 16 counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention. The charges involve a mix of police personnel and civilians, with several John and Jane Does still unidentified.
Court records show that more than 20 individuals have been named alongside Ang for the kidnapping with homicide cases, including several police officers with varying ranks. Listed among them are Police Lieutenant Col. Ryan Jay Orapa, Rogelio Borican Jr., Rodelio Anig-ig, Jezrel Mahilum, Mark Zabala, Ronquillo Anding, Police Senior Master Sergeant Joey Encarnacion, Police Executive Master Sergeant Aaron Cabillan, Police Master Sergeant Michael Claveria, PSMS Mark Anthony Manrique, PSMS Anderson Abary, Police Staff Sergeant Edmon Munoz, PSSG Alfredo Andres, Police Major Philip Almedilla, Police Lieutenant Henry Sasaluya, Police Chief Master Sergeant Arturo dela Cruz, PSMS Farvy dela Cruz, Police Corporal Angel Martin, Emman Falle, Julious Gumulon, and PMSg Renan Fulgencio.
Another set of suspects linked to kidnapping with serious illegal detention includes Orapa, Claveria, Anig-ig, Borican, Andres, Almedilla, Encarnacion, Cabillan, and several unidentified accomplices.
Based on DOJ spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez, separate courts in Lipa City, Batangas; Sta. Cruz, Laguna; and San Pablo, Laguna will hear the 26 criminal informations that stem from a 120-page resolution.
The document outlined testimonies provided by Julie and Ellakim Patidongan, described as security aides close to Ang. Prosecutors said the accounts supported findings that Ang—referred to as “Boss AA”—held command responsibility and played an active role in directing the abductions.
“The record shows that all orders to apprehend ‘cheating’ sabungeros emanated from Ang,” the resolution stated. Investigators highlighted Julie Patidongan’s testimony describing how he routinely consulted Ang as to whether alleged victims should be handed over to police associates.
The resolution also cited observations of “a consistent pattern of involvement by certain Philippine National Police (PNP) members,” with civilian supporters described as taking part in restraining and transporting the victims.
Ellakim Patidongan recounted bringing blindfolded individuals to Taal Lake near a fish cage, where he said the captives were strangled before being moved onto a boat laden with sack materials. “Ellakim also declared that as the boat carrying the bodies of the sabungeros was sailing away, he even saw the boatmen further stabbing the hapless victims,“ the resolution stated.
Ang’s legal counsel, Atty. Gabriel Villareal, dismissed the ruling’s basis, claiming: “The ruling, while likely given the bias apparent from DOJ conduct, suffers from clear factual gaps and substantial inconsistencies.” He argued that the panel relied on “the flawed testimony of a lone witness whose integrity is irreversibly compromised,” asserting that Julie Patidongan sought to “pin the blame on my client to save his hide.”
