Manila: Businessman Charlie 'Atong' Ang failed to attend the Department of Justice's (DOJ) preliminary investigation on Monday into one of the 'sabungero' cases involving the missing cockfight enthusiasts in the Manila Arena.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez stated that the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) earlier sought the reopening of the preliminary investigation. "The CIDG initiated the re-opening of PI (preliminary investigation) on the basis of (witness Julie 'Dondon') Patidongan's affidavit, wherein he identified the John Does whose identities were previously unknown," Martinez said in a media interview.

The purpose of the reopening is to identify the initially unknown John Does. If and when these individuals are identified, they will be subsequently charged in the ongoing trial. Despite the ongoing trial before the courts, Martinez emphasized that the reopened preliminary investigation may still be undertaken.

"Yes, the trial is ongoing. The reopened PI can be conducted simultaneously because it will not affect the presentation of evidence against all the accused already named," he explained. Meanwhile, Ang has outstanding arrest warrants in several courts and remains at large.