Arrest warrant vs. Atong Ang renews missing sabungeros families’ hope, says rights group

Philippine Canadian Inquirer
January 15, 2026

(Photo courtesy: Justice for Missing Sabungeros Network/Facebook)

MANILA, Philippines — The Justice for Missing Sabungeros Network (JMSN) openly welcomed the release of an arrest warrant against gambling mogul Charlie “Atong” Ang on Wednesday, January 14.

The non-profit organization said the issuance renewed the hope of the families of the victims in seeking justice for all missing sabungeros, or cockfighting enthusiasts.

“Nananawagan kami na ang batas ay ipatupad nang pantay at walang kinikilingan. Kung mapapatunayan sa tamang proseso ng batas ang pananagutan ng mga sangkot, kabilang si Atong Ang, naniniwala kami na nararapat lamang na sila ay panagutin at ikulong alinsunod sa batas,” JMSN wrote in a post.

The group also affirmed that they are not looking for vengeance, but justice for the families’ disappeared loved ones.

“Hustisya para sa mga nawawalang sabungero para sa kanilang mga pamilya at para sa lipunang Pilipino na may karapatang malaman ang katotohanan!” JMSN stressed.

The appearance of whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan last year sparked further probe into the missing sabungeros case, after a slow case buildup since the issue surfaced in 2022.

Patidongan notably tagged Ang as the mastermind behind the disappearances, as well as the killing of more than 100 individuals, whose remains were allegedly thrown into the Taal Lake in Batangas.