Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have arrested 17 of the 18 individuals ordered arrested by a Laguna court in connection with the disappearance of cockfighters, popularly known as the “missing sabungeros.”
CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II said the lone suspect still at large is businessman Atong Ang, who authorities tagged as the alleged mastermind behind the case.
Morico said operations are ongoing to arrest Ang and other remaining suspects facing charges of kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping with serious illegal detention.
“We have several operations ongoing in several of his properties in Metro Manila and Region 4-A. It will be continuing,” Morico said during a press briefing at Camp Crame on Wednesday, January 14.
Morico said nine police officers and six civilians were initially accounted for following the issuance of arrest warrants.
Police later secured another civilian suspect, while a dismissed police officer surrendered.
The nine active policemen are under restrictive custody, while the civilians were arrested after being placed under surveillance.
The long-running case gained momentum after whistleblower Julie Patidongan provided detailed information linking Ang, along with police officers and civilians, to the alleged abduction and killing of sabungeros accused of game-fixing—claims Ang’s camp has denied.
Authorities said the focus of the manhunt is now on Ang and a few remaining suspects, including a dismissed police officer.