PNP starts implementing arrest warrant vs Atong Ang, others

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday its personnel have started the process to implement the arrest warrant against Atong Ang and others in connection with the case of missing sabungeros.

At a Palace briefing, PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police personnel are now coordinating with the Laguna court, which issued the arrest warrant.

“Dedicated teams of the PNP are now on their way to implement the warrant of arrest. We have certain procedures in implementing warrant of arrest, hindi lang warrant of arrest, at different police operations,” Nartatez said.

“This is an implementation of warrant arrest, mayroon tayong procedure, and the PNP personnel, all PNP personnel involved are, of course, mandated na sundin ito. At gagawin nila ang lahat para ma-implement,” he added.

Nartatez said the PNP has identified possible locations of Ang.

“Tukoy ang ating warrant of arrest or location of Charlie Atong’ Ang, different locations, and it will be served on those locations,” he added.

15 of 18 accused now in custody

Of the 18 accused, 15 are now under custody, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Police Major General Robert Alexander Morico II said at a separate press conference.

These accused in custody are nine police officers and six civilians.

Following the release of arrest warrants, Morico said the six accused who are civilians were arrested on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the nine cops are already under CIDG’s restrictive custody even before the release of the arrest warrants.

“We have received two warrants of arrest sa kaso ni Atong Ang. The warrant to arrest consists of five counts for kidnapping with domicile and another six counts na warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention,” Morico said.

“All in all, there are 18 accused sa warrant of arrest. And out of this number, 10 are police officers. One is a former police officer. Dismiss na kasi yung isa. And eight ang sibilyan, including Mr. Atong,” he added.

Authorities are still searching for Ang, a police officer, and a civilian. An operation for Ang is ongoing, according to Morico.

“I ask Mr. Atong Ang to peacefully surrender na lang. We have several ongoing ngayon ng manhunt. There are several properties niya po in Metro Manila as well as in Region 4A na ongoing yung pag-ano ng tauhan namin,” he said.

A regional trial court in Sta. Cruz, Laguna has issued a warrant of arrest against Ang and 17 other individuals in connection with the kidnapping with homicide case.

“The bail for the release of the accused in this case is fixed at not bailable for kidnapping with homicide,” the order read.

The arrest warrant was signed by Presiding Judge Mary Jean T. Cajandab-Ong and furnished to the Philippine National Police - Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (PNP DIDM) and the concerned police station commander for immediate implementation.

Meanwhile, according to a Balitanghali report, Ang’s lawyer, Gabriel Villareal, requested to be given some time to review the accusations against his client.

GMA Integrated News is still trying to get the comments of the 17 others accused. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News