Lipa city: A court in Lipa City, Batangas, has ordered the arrest of businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang and several others in connection with the disappearance of over a dozen cockfight enthusiasts.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lipa City Regional Trial Court Branch 13 Judge Pamela Chavez-Izon issued the arrest warrant dated January 15, 2026, addressed to 'any officer of the law.' No bail was recommended. Ang and his co-accused face charges of kidnapping with homicide, kidnapping, and serious illegal detention.
The arrest warrant also includes Ryan Jay Orapa, Alfredo Andes, Henry Sasaluya, Farby Dela Cruz, Angel Joseph Martin, Joey Encarnacion, Aaron Ezrah Cabillan, Michael Claveria, Renan Fulgencio, Philip Almedilla, Arturo Dela Cruz Jr., Mark Anthony Manrique, Anderson Abary, Edmon Mu±oz, Rogelio Borican Jr., Rodel Anig-ig, Mark Carlo Zabala, Jezrel Mahilum, Emman Falle, and Julios Gumolon.
The National Police Commission (Napolcom) stated that Orapa, Almedilla, Cabillan, Dela Cruz, Encarnacion, Manrique, Abary, Andes, Mu±oz, Martin, and Fulgencio are police officers who have been dismissed from service. Lawyer Rafael Vicente Calinisan, Napolcom vice chairperson and executive officer, mentioned the officers were found guilty of six counts of grave misconduct and one count of conduct unbecoming of a police officer, leading to their dismissal from police service. The penalties also include the forfeiture of retirement benefits, cancellation of eligibility, and perpetual disqualification from holding any government positions.
Calinisan also recommended the dismissal of former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Police Brigadier General Romeo Macapaz for similar offenses. He explained that the recommendation requires presidential clearance for ranks of police colonel and above. Macapaz was implicated in unlawfully seizing the phones of witnesses Julie "Dondon" and Elakim Patidongan, allegedly altering and deleting messages, and causing the loss of SD cards with crucial evidence.
Previously, a court in Sta. Cruz, Laguna issued an arrest warrant against Ang and 18 co-accused over similar charges. A third batch of cases is pending before a court in San Pablo City, Laguna. The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group had earlier reported that 17 of Ang's co-accused in the first batch are already in custody. Ang, through his legal counsel, has denied the accusations, arguing that the case should have been remanded to police investigators.
