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TheMonitorMindanaoToday.com | Court issues warrant of arrest vs. Atong Ang, 17 others
By: Benjamin Pulta
MANILA – A Laguna court has issued a warrant for the arrest of businessman Atong Ang and others for kidnapping with homicide charges in connection with the missing sabungeros (cockfight aficionados) case.
Sta. Cruz, Laguna Regional Trial Court Branch 26 Judge Mary Jean Cajandra Ong, in her order dated Jan. 13, said the case is not bailable.
Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson Polo Martinez said prosecutors will be seeking a hold departure order (HDO) shortly.
“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,” Martinez said in a statement.
“Following the issuance today of the arrest warrant by RTC Sta. Cruz, the prosecution shall forthwith move for the issuance of a HDO with the court and ensure that all the accused stand trial,” he added.
Martinez said they are still awaiting warrants from other courts where the other missing sabungeros cases were filed.
“(W)e’re still waiting for RTCs in Lipa City and San Pablo, Laguna,” he added.
Aside from Ang whose real name is Charlie Tiu Hay Ang, also named in the warrant were Rogelio Borican Jr., Jezrel Mahilum, Mark Zabala, Rodelo Anig-ig, Emman Falle, Jilios Gumolon, Ronquillo Anding, Ryan Orapa, Aaron Cabillan, Mark Manrique, Anderson Abary, Michael Claveria, Edmon Muñoz, Farvy Dela Cruz, Renan Fulgenio, Alfredo Andes and Joey Encarnacion.
In a press briefing in Malacañang, Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said the arrest warrant would be served at Ang’s identified locations.
He added that around 10 to 11 police personnel who are also subjects of an arrest warrant are already under restrictive custody.
Asked if the PNP anticipates any difficulty in serving the warrant, Nartatez said established procedures will be followed.
“We have certain procedures in implementing warrant of arrest… mayroon tayong procedure, and the PNP personnel… are mandated na sundin ito (We have procedures and the PNP personnel are mandated to follow them),” he said.
Focus on Ang
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), meanwhile, said except for Ang, all subjects of the arrest warrant are already accounted for.
CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico said their operation is now focused on Ang.
“We have several operations ongoing in several of his properties in Metro Manila and Region 4A. It will be continuing,” Morico told reporters in a press briefing at Camp Crame on Wednesday.
He added that based on their monitoring, Ang is still in the country.
“We have been monitoring him. He is still in the country that’s why I am asking him to peacefully surrender,” Morico said.
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