MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the filing of multiple criminal charges against 22 individuals — including businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang — in connection with the disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts, or “missing sabungeros.”

DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez said 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide were filed before three courts: the Regional Trial Courts (RTCs) of Lipa City, Sta. Cruz in Laguna, and San Pablo in Laguna.

“The resolution was released today. We cannot provide the press a copy of the resolution yet, pending receipt and possible filing of MRs (motion for reconsideration) by the respondents,” Martinez said.

In a statement, the DOJ said a panel of prosecutors found prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction to indict the following for 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide:

• Police Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Jay Orapa
• Rogelio Borican Jr.
• Rodelo Anig-ig
• Mark Carlo Zabala
• Ronquillo Anding
• Police Senior Master Sergeant Joey Natanauan Encarnacion
• Police Executive Master Sergeant Aaron Cabillan
• Police Master Sergeant Michael Jaictin Claveria
• Police Senior Master Sergeant Mark Anthony Aguilo Manrique
• Police Senior Master Sergeant Anderson Orozco Abary
• Police Staff Sergeant Edmon Hernandez Muñoz
• Police Major Philip Almedilla
• Police Lieutenant Henry Sasaluya
• Police Chief Master Sergeant Arturo Dela Cruz
• Police Senior Master Sergeant Farvy Opalla Dela Cruz
• Police Senior Staff Sergeant Alfredo Uy Andes
• Police Corporal Angel Joseph Martin
• Jezrel Lazarte Mahilum
• Emman Cayunda Falle
• Julious Tagalog Gumulon
• Police Master Sergeant Renan Lagrosa Fulgencio

The following were also indicted for kidnapping with serious illegal detention:

• Police Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Jay Orapa
• Police Master Sergeant Michael Jaictin Claveria
• Rodelo Anig-ig
• Rogelio Borican Jr.
• Police Staff Sergeant Alfredo Uy Andres
• Police Major Philip Simborio Almedilla
• Police Senior Master Sergeant Joey Encarnacion
• Police Executive Master Sergeant Aaron Cabillan
• John Does

The DOJ said charges against other respondents were dismissed without prejudice, allowing complainants to refile should new evidence directly linking them to the alleged unlawful detention emerge.