DOJ files 26 kidnapping charges vs Atong Ang as defense blasts ruling
The Philippine Department of Justice has ordered the filing of 26 criminal cases against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and several police officers over the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts, indicting them for kidnapping with homicide and serious illegal detention in Batangas and Laguna. Prosecutors based the charges on whistleblower testimony alleging Ang masterminded the abductions and killings. Actress Gretchen Barretto was not charged, while some respondents were cleared subject to new evidence. Ang’s lawyer denounced the DOJ ruling and vowed to seek its reversal.