DOJ Finds Prima Facie Evidence vs Atong Ang in Sabungeros Case

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced it has found prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction to indict Charlie “Atong” Ang and 25 other respondents in connection with alleged abductions and killings of missing “sabungeros,” the agency said in a press release on December 9, 2025.

Ang and his co-accused face a total of ten counts of “Kidnapping with Homicide”—linked to victims believed to have been killed—and 16 counts of “Kidnapping with Serious Illegal Detention” for others who remain missing.

According to DOJ, the evidence gathered during the preliminary investigation shows a strong likelihood of conviction should the cases proceed to trial. Should the courts accept the charges, 26 separate information will be filed.

At the same time, DOJ clarified that other individuals initially included in the complaint were dismissed from the indictment—but the dismissal is “without prejudice,” meaning cases may be refiled if new evidence emerges linking them directly to the crimes.

The charges stem from a string of disappearances of cockfighting-enthusiasts (sabungeros) between 2021 and 2022 — a case that has drawn intense public interest and scrutiny.

DOJ emphasized that the decision to proceed reflects the agency’s commitment to hold those responsible to account and deliver justice for the victims and their families.