Laguna Court Issues Arrest Warrant Against Atong Ang
ATONG ANG – The well-known businessman is now facing an arrest warrant along with 17 others for kidnapping with homicide, a non-bailable offense, issued by the Regional Trial Court in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.
The warrant, signed by Presiding Judge Mary Jean Cajandab-Ong of RTC Branch 26, orders law enforcement to arrest Ang and the other accused, whose addresses include Muntinlupa City, Laguna, and Batangas. Officers are required to use at least one body-worn camera and an alternative recording device to document the arrest. Bail is denied due to the severity of the charges.
The case stems from the disappearance of several sabungeros, or cockfighting enthusiasts, beginning in 2022. Whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan claimed knowledge of bodies allegedly submerged in Taal Lake and identified Ang as the alleged mastermind behind the killings, which authorities say may involve up to 100 deaths connected to match-fixing. Ang has denied the accusations.
The Department of Justice filed formal kidnapping and kidnapping with homicide charges against Ang in December 2025, and he now faces cases before three regional courts: Sta. Cruz and San Pablo in Laguna, and Lipa City in Batangas. The Philippine National Police confirmed that dedicated teams are preparing to serve the warrant at Ang’s known locations.
The case has renewed attention on the cockfighting industry, which continues to thrive online despite bans and restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Former President Rodrigo Duterte banned online livestreaming of cockfights in 2022, but enforcement has been inconsistent.
Meanwhile, Atong Ang, whose full name is Charlie “Atong” Ang, is a Filipino businessman best known for his involvement in the cockfighting (sabong) industry in the Philippines. He has been a prominent figure in this gambling-related sector, managing operations linked to cockfighting events and online betting platforms.