MANILA — The CIDG arrested nine police officers and six civilians in connection with the disappearance of several sabungeros after executing warrants of arrest on Wednesday. According to CIDG Director PMGen. Robert Morico II, the police officers were previously in restrictive custody, so they were immediately served with the warrants.
The six civilians are former security personnel and employees of cockfighting arenas with connections to businessman Atong Ang. “Before the operation, they were already under surveillance,” Morico said. Most of those arrested are from Region 4A.
According to the CIDG, there are two warrants of arrest against Ang, including five cases of kidnapping with homicide and six cases of kidnapping and serious illegal detention. In total, there are 18 accused—ten police officers, one former police officer who was dismissed, and eight civilians including Atong Ang.
Morico urged Ang to surrender properly, as the operation and manhunt continues on his properties in Metro Manila and Region 4A. He also stressed that anyone who obstructs the execution of the warrant, including security guards in the private subdivision, may be charged.
Three accused remain outside the country: a former police officer, a civilian, and Atong Ang. Once the remaining suspects are captured, authorities will return the warrant to the court to determine where to detain the accused.
