PH Billionaire Atong Ang Faces Arrest Order Over Missing Cockfighters Found in Tourist Lake

A Philippine court has ordered the arrest of gaming tycoon Charlie 'Atong' Ang and several others in connection with a high-profile case involving missing cockfighters, escalating a years-long controversy tied to the country's lucrative cockfighting scene.

The warrant, issued by a regional trial court in Santa Cruz, Laguna, centres on allegations of kidnapping with homicide, a serious offence classified as non-bailable under Philippine law.

Laguna Court Issues Warrant Of Arrest With No Bail

Regional Trial Court Branch 26 in Santa Cruz, Laguna found probable cause to order the arrest of Ang and 17 other individuals, based on a court document dated 13 January 2026. The order stated that bail is not allowed due to the gravity of the charge.

GMA News reported details of the arrest warrant issued against Atong Ang, confirming that the accused face kidnapping with homicide and that the court explicitly denied bail.

The warrant was signed by Presiding Judge Mary Jean T. Cajandab-Ong and was forwarded to the Philippine National Police for immediate implementation. The court also instructed arresting officers to follow rules requiring body-worn cameras during the execution of the warrant, ensuring the process is documented.

Charges Linked To The Disappearance Of Cockfighting Enthusiasts

The case relates to the disappearance of sabungeros, a Filipino term referring to cockfighting enthusiasts and participants, including bettors and handlers who attend cockfighting matches.

Rappler reported that the warrant was made public on 14 January and noted that the court's no-bail order applies to Ang and the other accused as the case proceeds. The report on the missing sabungeros case said prosecutors linked the suspect group to multiple counts tied to the disappearances.

According to the Department of Justice, prosecutors previously filed kidnapping cases in December and said they had found prima facie evidence to indict Ang and others with multiple counts, including kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping with serious illegal detention.

A Case That Has Haunted The Cockfighting Industry Since 2021

The missing cockfighters case has remained a major national issue since reports of disappearances began emerging in 2021. Government figures cited in media reports have stated that at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts went missing between April 2021 and January 2022.

In addition, allegations surrounding the case have continued to grow, with one former employee and accused whistleblower reportedly naming Ang as the alleged mastermind behind the disappearances. That claim has added public pressure on authorities to pursue more aggressive action.

Ang was first linked to the controversy in 2022, with reports noting his ownership ties to an operator connected to cockfighting arenas where some of the missing individuals were last seen.

Who Else Is Named In The Arrest Order

The court order also listed multiple law enforcement personnel among the accused, based on the names published in Rappler's report. Their inclusion has drawn particular attention, given the seriousness of the allegations and the implications for accountability.

The case has also prompted renewed scrutiny of the cockfighting industry, which has significant economic influence in the Philippines through legal arenas, major gambling operations, and online platforms.

Lawyer Seeks Time To Review Allegations

Following news of the warrant, a lawyer for Ang reportedly requested time to review the accusations, according to a report cited by GMA News. Meanwhile, media organisations said they were still seeking comment from other individuals included in the warrant.

The development marks one of the most significant legal steps in the case since public attention intensified, with the court's no-bail ruling signalling the seriousness of the charges now being pursued.

What Happens Next In The Missing Cockfighters Case

With a warrant issued and bail denied, the next stage will focus on law enforcement efforts to implement the arrest order and bring the accused before the court.

The case has remained emotionally charged for families of the missing cockfighters, many of whom have called for justice for years. It has also raised broader questions about the power structures surrounding cockfighting in the Philippines, especially in cases involving wealth, influence, and allegations of organised wrongdoing.

As proceedings continue, the arrest order places renewed national focus on a case that has remained unresolved for years, with implications for both public trust and the country's justice system.