These charges stem from the disappearance of at least 34 men linked to online cockfighting operations between 2021 and 2022, a number witness Julie “Dondon” Patidongan later claimed had ballooned to 108, though investigators have not publicly confirmed the higher figure. Allegations state that victims were abducted by Ang’s personnel and police officers, with bodies subsequently dumped into Lake Taal in Batangas. As of the latest reports, Ang has not been arrested.
The DOJ resolution, issued in a 120-page document, relies heavily on the testimonies of Patidongan and his brother Ellakim, former security personnel for Ang. Their accounts allegedly established a pattern of operations involving Ang’s farm, his employees, and specific police officers. Ang’s countercharges against Patidongan for robbery-extortion, grave threats, and slander were dismissed, allowing Patidongan to be admitted as a state witness.
Legal proceedings have moved to the courts. On January 14, 2026, the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Sta. Cruz, Laguna, issued arrest warrants against Ang and 17 others. Additionally, a Batangas court issued four warrants against 18 individuals in related homicide and serious illegal detention cases. The DOJ expects to file 26 charge sheets across the RTCs of Lipa City (Batangas), Sta. Cruz (Laguna), and San Pablo City (Laguna).
In response to Ang’s failure to surrender, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla declared Ang the “most wanted criminal in the country” on January 15, 2026. The government announced a 10-million-peso reward for information leading to his arrest. DILG stated that Ang is considered “armed and dangerous,” leading the Philippine National Police (PNP) to seek the revocation of six firearms licenses registered in his name and request an Interpol red notice in case he has fled the country.
Authorities have already detained 17 suspects, comprising 10 police personnel and seven civilians. Remulla stated that if Ang surrenders peacefully, he will be treated with respect, but if he remains a fugitive, authorities will pursue him accordingly. Upon arrest, Ang is expected to be brought to Camp Crame in Quezon City before transfer to a custodial facility assigned by the courts.
The case involves allegations that Ang’s online sabong company, Lucky 8 Star Quest, controlled arenas where victims were last seen during a period of minimal regulatory oversight. While Ang was previously jailed in a plunder case involving former President Joseph Estrada, he escaped final conviction in that matter. Current proceedings focus exclusively on the kidnapping and homicide charges derived from the DOJ’s preliminary investigation.
Next steps include the nationwide manhunt coordinated by the PNP and DILG, as well as the processing of the remaining arrest warrants. No specific date for sentencing or trial has been announced, as the primary procedural hurdle currently facing the state is the physical apprehension of the principal accused.
