The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday announced its resolution finding prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction against gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang and 21 other respondents in relation to the case of missing “sabungeros” (cockfighting enthusiasts).
In a statement, the Justice Department revealed that the panel of prosecutors found enough proof to indict the respondents, most of whom are police officers, facing 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide.
Among the respondents were Ang, PLtCol. Ryan Jay Orapa, Rogelio Teodoso Borican Jr., Rodelo Anig-ig, Jezrel Mahilum, Mark Carlo Zabala, Ronquillo Anding, PSMS Joey Natanauan Encarnacion, PEMS Aaron Ezrah Lagahit Cabillan, PMSG Michael Jaictin Claveria, PSMS Mark Anthony Aguilo Manrique, PSMS Anderson Orozco Abary, PSSG Edmon Hernandez Muñoz, PSSG Alfredo Uy Andres, PMaj Philip Almedilla, PLT Henry Sasaluya, PCMS Arturo Dela Cruz, PSMS Farvy Opalla Dela Cruz, PCpl. Angel Joseph Martin, Emman Cayunda Falle, Julious Tagalog Gumulon, and PMSg Renan Lagrosa Fulgencio.
This is in addition to the 16 counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention that the DOJ also recommended to be filed against Ang and nine other individuals.
Aside from Ang, the DOJ also recommended to be charged were Orapa, Claveria, Anig-ig, Borican, Andres, Almedilla, Encarnacion, Cabillan, and John Does referring to the unidentified policemen belonging to the group of Orapa.
Meanwhile, the Justice Department dismissed the complaints against other individuals without prejudice to the refiling of any complaint in case future evidence arises linking them directly to the acts of unlawful detention.
Notably, the DOJ did not name actress Gretchen Barretto among the respondents.
