Photo courtesy of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) reported Monday that 21 of 22 individuals accused in the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts are now in custody, leaving gaming tycoon Atong Ang as the only person still at large.
Arrest warrants for Ang and 17 others were issued by a Laguna court last Wednesday, while a Batangas court issued separate warrants for four additional suspects on Friday.
The detained individuals include a previously dismissed police officer, nine active officers in restrictive custody, and seven of Ang’s alleged staff, all apprehended under the Laguna court orders.
Three more active police officers were taken into custody in Batangas following the Friday warrants, and a previously dismissed officer was later arrested at Camp Crame, bringing the total to 21.
The CIDG confirmed that Ang remains in the Philippines, disputing claims from whistleblower Julie Patidongan that he had already left the country. Patidongan has alleged Ang masterminded the abduction and killings of at least 34 sabungeros between 2021 and 2022.
Ang, meanwhile, has denied involvement and accused Patidongan of attempting to extort him for P300 million, claiming she threatened to implicate him in the case.
Authorities have launched hotlines to collect tips leading to Ang’s arrest, with some information already under validation. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has placed a P10-million reward for credible leads that result in his capture.