The Department of Justice has found prima facie evidence to charge businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang with multiple counts of kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping with serious illegal detention over the disappearance of several sabungeros.
In a statement the DOJ said its panel of prosecutors reached the finding “after a meticulous evaluation” of consolidated complaints linked to the missing cockfight enthusiasts.
Ang and several police officers were indicted for 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide, while another set of respondents—including Ang—face 16 counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention. The DOJ said 26 informations will be filed before courts in Lipa City, Sta. Cruz (Laguna), and San Pablo (Laguna).
Actress Gretchen Barretto, earlier mentioned during the probe, was not included among the indicted individuals. Other respondents were cleared for now, but their cases were dismissed without prejudice should new evidence surface.
The complaints stemmed from whistleblower Julie Patidongan’s testimony alleging that Ang masterminded the abductions and ordered the victims killed and dumped in Taal Lake.
“With this development, the Department of Justice prays that the courts exact justice on those who should be held accountable,” the DOJ said.