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DOJ to seek HDO vs Atong Ang, other accused in 'sabungeros' cases

Published Jan 14, 2026 01:43 pm
The Department of Justice (DOJ) will ask the trial court to issue a hold departure order (HDO) against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and his co-accused in the criminal cases involving the missing “sabungeros,” cockfight enthusiasts.
DOJ Spokesperson Prosecution Attorney Raphael Niccolo L. Martinez confirmed that the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 26 in Sta. Cruz, Laguna issued the arrest warrant against Ang and his co-accused.
“Following the issuance of the arrest warrant by RTC Sta. Cruz, the prosecution shall forthwith move for the issuance of a Hold Departure Order (HDO) with the court and ensure that all the accused stand trial,” Martinez said.
Although no HDO has been issued against them, Martinez said the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has been closely monitoring the country’s international airports and seaports for the possibility that any of the accused might flee the Philippines.
“An ILBO (Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order) was previously issued which will notify authorities of any attempt by any of the accused to exit the country,” he also said.
On the RTC’s arrest order, Martinez said that any law enforcement agency may serve the warrant depending on where the accused are located.
“As a matter of procedure, they will serve the warrant at their last known addresses,” he added.
Ang and his co-accused are facing before the Sta. Cruz RTC non-bailable charges of kidnapping with homicide.
His co-accused before the Sta. Cruz RTC were Rogelio Teodoso Borican Jr., Jezrel Lazarte Mahilum, Mark Carlo Evangelista Zabala, Rodelio Antipuesto Anig-Ig, Emman Cayunda Falle, Julios Tagalog Gumolon, Ronquillo Pacot Anding, Ryan Jay Eliab Orapa, Aaron Ezrah Lagahit Cabillan, Mark Anthony Aguilo Manrique, Anderson Orozco Abary, Michael Jaictin Claveria, Edmon Hernandez Munoz, Farvy Opalla Dela Cruz, Renan Lagrosa Fulgencio, Alfredo Uy Andes, and Joey Natanauan Encarnacion.
A total of 26 criminal cases were filed against Ang including 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide and 16 counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention.
Aside from the Sta. Cruz RTC, the other cases were filed before the RTCs in Lipa City in Batangas and San Pablo City in Laguna.
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