The Department of Justice found evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction to indict businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang  and 20 others with 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide and 16 counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention.

The DOJ said its panel of prosecutors found prima facie evidence “after a meticulous evaluation” of the consolidated cases against Ang and others in connection with the missing sabungeros case.

The following are the respondents indicted by the DOJ with 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide:

• Charlie Tiu Hay Ang @ Atong Ang
• PLtCol. Ryan Jay Orapa
• Rogelio Teodoso Borican Jr.
• Rodelo Anig-ig
• Jezrel Mahilum
• Mark Carlo Zabala
• Ronquillo Anding
• Mark Carlo Zabala
• PSMS Joey Natanauan Encarnacion
• PEMS Aaron Ezrah Lagahit Cabillan
• PMSG Michael Jaictin Claveria
• PSMS Mark Anthony Aguilo Manrique
• PSMS Anderson Orozco Abary
• PSSG Edmon Hernandez Muñoz
• PSSG Alfredo Uy Andres
• PMaj Philip Almedilla
• PLT Henry Sasaluya
• PCMS Arturo Dela Cruz
• PSMS Farvy Opalla Dela Cruz
• PSSG Alfredo Uy Andes
• PSMS Joey Encarnacion
• PCpl. Angel Joseph Martin
• Jezrel Lazarte Mahilum
• Emman Cayunda Falle
• Julious Tagalog Gumulon
• PMSg Renan Lagrosa Fulgencio

The following are the respondents indicted with sixteen (16) counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention:

• Charlie Tiu Hay Ang @ Atong Ang
• PLtCol. Ryan Jay Orapa
• PMSg Michael Jacitin Claveria
• Rodelo Anig-ig
• Rogelio Borican Jr.
• PSSG Alfredo Uy Andres
• PMaj Philip Simborio Almedilla
• PSMS Joey Encarnacion
• PEMS Aaron Ezrah Lagahit Cabillan

John Does (referring to the unidentified policemen belonging to the group of PLtCol. Ryan Jay Orapa)

“A total of twenty-six (26) Information/s shall be filed with the appropriate courts of law for the conduct of trial,” the DOJ said in the statement.

Actress Gretchen Barretto, who was initially mentioned during the preliminary investigation stage, is not on the list.

“As to the other respondents, the case/s were dismissed without prejudice to the re-filing of any complaint with the Department of Justice should future evidence arise linking them directly to the acts of unlawful detention,” the DOJ said.

Ang’s lawyer described the DOJ’s ruling as “deeply flawed and grossly unfair to the accused,” and said they are likely to file a motion for reconsideration and ask the DOJ for the reversal of the decision.

“The ruling, while likely given the bias apparent from DOJ conduct, suffers from clear factual gaps and substantial inconsistencies. Clearly the panel relied heavily on the flawed testimoy of a lone witness whose integrity is irreversibly compromised,” Atty. Gabriel L. Villareal said.

“It is unfortunate that the DOJ has been taken for a ride by a dubious witness masquerading as a crusader, out to pin the blame on my client to save his hide,” Villareal added.

The missing sabungeros cases underwent preliminary investigation after whistleblower Julie Patidongan tagged Ang as the mastermind and ordered that the victims be killed and buried in Taal Lake.

“With this development, the Department of Justice prays that the courts exact justice on those who should be held accountable,” the DOJ said.

DOJ Spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez said the information will be filed before 3 courts: the Regional Trial Courts of Lipa City, Sta. Cruz, Laguna and San Pablo, Laguna.

Villareal expressed his confidence that they can “debunk all malicious and fabricated claims made by Patidongan,” and called the whistleblower the “architect of this gruesome crime.”