MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) expects various courts to issue warrants of arrest against businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang who is facing criminal charges in connection with the cases of the missing cockfighting enthusiasts or sabungeros. DOJ spokesman Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic “Polo” Martinez said the criminal charges were filed on Friday, December 19, 2025, before three regional trial courts: in Lipa City; Sta. Cruz, Laguna; and San Pablo City, Laguna. “Under the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure, the courts wherein the informations are filed will issue the corresponding warrants of arrest upon their determination of the existence of probable cause based on the evidence submitted and the resolution by the panel of prosecutors,” he said in a statement. He added that there is no update yet on whether the courts have made a determination on probable cause. Ang is facing charges of kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping and serious illegal detention. Martinez also said the cases are covered by Department Circular No. 015, series of 2024, which requires that any motion for reconsideration will be resolved within 30 days. Ang has repeatedly denied any involvement in the disappearance of the sabungeros, whose cases have been under investigation for more than two years. The DOJ has earlier said the charges stemmed from evidence gathered during the reinvestigation of the high-profile disappearances linked to illegal cockfighting operations. The cases involve more than 30 cockfighting enthusiasts who were reported missing in several parts of Luzon between 2021 and 2022.