Manila: The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that additional charges might be filed against individuals involved in the case of the missing "sabungeros" (cockfight aficionados), including businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang. Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon revealed in a press briefing that a new preliminary investigation might be initiated concerning a case currently pending at the Manila Regional Trial Court related to incidents at the Manila Arena.
According to Philippines News Agency, Fadullon stated that Ang could potentially be included in the case, contingent upon the outcome of a preliminary investigation to determine the presence of evidence sufficient to charge him. Fadullon further clarified that the filing of criminal informations related to 26 counts of kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping with serious illegal detention will be finalized by next week. No bail is recommended for those named in the charges.
Fadullon explained that the preparations for these informations are underway, given the numerous cases that need to be filed across various courts. The charges will be filed in different jurisdictions, including Batangas, Laguna, and Para±aque. His statement provided clarity on the DOJ's earlier announcement that 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide were filed on Tuesday in three different courts-the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Lipa City, RTC-Sta. Cruz, Laguna, and RTC-San Pablo, Laguna-against Ang and 21 others for their alleged involvement in the disappearance and deaths of the missing sabungeros.
