Manila: The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that the courts handling the cases involving the missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) have not yet issued warrants of arrest for 22 individuals, including the well-known businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang. DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez confirmed this development to reporters, stating that as of January 5th, no warrants had been issued.

According to Philippines News Agency, last month, the DOJ revealed that a panel of prosecutors had found prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction to indict Ang and 21 other respondents on 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide. These charges have been filed at the Regional Trial Courts located in Lipa City, Batangas, as well as Sta. Cruz and San Pablo in Laguna.

The list of other respondents includes Lt. Col. Ryan Jay Orapa, Rogelio Borican Jr., Rodelo Anig-ig, Mark Carlo Zabala, Ronquillo Anding, and several police officials such as Police Senior Master Sergeant (PSMSgt.) Joey Natanauan Encarnacion, Executive SMSgt. Aaron Cabillan, MSgt. Michael Jaictin Claveria, and others.

Additionally, Orapa, Claveria, Anig-ig, Borican, Andres, Almedilla, Encarnacion, Cabillan, and other unidentified individuals referred to as John Does, have been indicted for kidnapping with serious illegal detention.

Martinez also addressed the motion for reconsideration filed by the victims' relatives against those not indicted. He indicated that the panel of prosecutors would review the arguments presented by all parties involved. The victims' families are advocating for charges of "special complex crime of kidnapping with homicide and serious illegal detention" against several individuals, including actress Gretchen Barretto and retired police official Jonnel Estomo, among others.

The relatives have stated that whistleblower Dondon Patidongan's testimony provides prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction, suggesting a conspiracy among the respondents to commit the alleged crimes.