DOJ approves filing of criminal charges vs Atong Ang, 21 others in missing ‘sabungeros’ cases

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday, Dec. 9, approved the filing in courts of criminal charges against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and 21 other persons for their alleged involvement in the disappearance of “sabungeros” or cockfight enthusiasts.

- By JEFFREY DAMICOG and AARON RECUENCO

In a statement, the DOJ said its panel of prosecutors, which conducted the preliminary investigation of the consolidated complaints, found prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction to charge Ang and his co-accused.

It said “a total of 26 information shall be filed with the appropriate courts of law for the conduct of trial,” it said.

The cases will be filed before the Regional Trial Courts (RTCs) in Lipa City in Batangas, and in Sta. Cruz and San Pablo City in Laguna, it also said.

The DOJ did not specify who among Ang and his co-accused will be charged before the three RTC branches in Batangas and Laguna.

A copy of the resolution indicting Ang and his co-accused before the courts was not made public by the DOJ.

The DOJ said that Ang will be charged with 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide along with 21 other persons.