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DOJ finds evidence to indict Atong Ang, others for kidnapping with homicide
The Department of Justice (DOJ) finds prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction to charge businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and 21 others with kidnapping with homicide and/or kidnapping with serious illegal detention in connection with the abduction of several sabungeros or cockfight enthusiasts.
The DOJ said that Ang and other respondents are indicted on 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide and 16 counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention.
The following are facing kidnapping with homicide charges:
- Charlie Tiu Hay Ang, or Atong Ang
- Police Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Jay Orapa
- Rogelio Borican Jr.
- Rodelo Anig-ig
- Mark Carlo Zabala
- Ronquillo Anding
- Police Senior Master Sergeant Joey Natanauan Encarnacion
- Police Executive Master Sergeant Aaron Cabillan
- Police Master Sergeant Michael Jaictin Claveria
- Police Senior Master Sergeant Mark Anthony Aguilo Manrique
- Police Senior Master Sergeant Anderson Orozco Abary
- Police Staff Sergeant Edmon Hernandez Muñoz
- Police Major Philip Almedilla
- Police Lieutenant Henry Sasaluya
- Police Chief Master Sergeant Arturo Dela Cruz
- Police Senior Master Sergeant Farvy Opalla Dela Cruz
- Police Senior Staff Sergeant Alfredo Uy Andes
- Police Corporal Angel Joseph Martin
- Jezrel Lazarte Mahilum
- Emman Cayunda Falle
- Julious Tagalog Gumulon
- Police Master Sergeant Renan Lagrosa Fulgencio
The following will also be charged with kidnapping with serious illegal detention:
- Charlie Tiu Hay Ang, or Atong Ang
- Police Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Jay Orapa
- Police Master Sergeant Michael Jaictin Claveria
- Rodelo Anig-ig
- Rogelio Borican Jr.
- Police Staff Sergeant Alfredo Uy Andres
- Police Major Philip Simborio Almedilla
- Police Senior Master Sergeant Joey Encarnacion
- Police Executive Master Sergeant Aaron Cabillan
- John Does (referring to the unidentified policemen belonging to Orapa's group)
“As to the other respondents, the case/s were dismissed without prejudice to the refilling of any complaint with the Department of Justice should future evidence arise linking them directly to the acts of unlawful detention,” the DOJ added.
In Sandra Aguinaldo's report on "24 Oras," the DOJ said the cases will be filed in various regional trial courts, including those in Lipa City, and in Santa Cruz and San Pablo in Laguna.
In its 120-page joint resolution, the prosecutors found that the sworn confessions of whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan and his brother, Ellakim, established that Ang supposedly exercised command responsibility and active inducement over the abduction operations.
The panel said that the record shows that orders to apprehend “cheating” sabungeros came from Ang and that Patidongan would first report to Ang before any action was taken. After each operation, Ang would allegedly confirm the job to be done.
It said that if taken together, the facts establish a prima facie case with a reasonable certainty of conviction to hold him liable as principal by inducement.
“His orders and financial support constituted indispensable inducement to commit the unlawful detentions. The one who exerts moral ascendancy and provides material support for the crime is equally liable as the material authors,” it said.
“His acts reveal not mere acquiescence but direct supervision of the scheme, using his farm and organization as the staging ground,” it added.
Ang's lawyer, Gabriel Villareal said that the DOJ's recommendation is "...deeply flawed and grossly unfair to the accused." His camp will reportedly file a motion for reconsideration.
GMA Integrated News is trying to reach out to the other indicted individuals.
Patidongan, who was former security chief in some of Ang’s cockfight arenas, tagged Ang and others with the abductions from 2021 to 2022. He said more than 100 were killed after being taken away.
Ang has denied the allegations.
The families of missing sabungeros in August filed a complaint against and 60 others for various charges such as multiple murder, serious illegal detention, and others.
In October, the Office of the City Prosecutor of Mandaluyong dismissed the extortion complaint filed by Ang against Patidongan and another whistleblower Alan Bantiles due to lack of necessary factual details and sufficient proof.
The case stemmed from Ang’s claim that Patidongan and Bantiles threatened to link him to the disappearance of the missing sabungeros if he refused to pay P300 million. — with a report from Joahna Lei Casilao/BM/AOL, GMA Integrated News
