MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) said additional charges may be filed against individuals implicated in the missing “sabungero” (cockfight enthusiasts) case, including businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang.

Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon said another preliminary investigation could be conducted in at least one case already pending before the Manila Regional Trial Court, particularly incidents that occurred at the Manila Arena.

“Pwede pa siyang (Ang) masama doon, kaya lang kailangan magkaroon muna ng preliminary investigation at malaman talagang merong ebidensya patungkol sa kanya na magiging basehan para siya ay masama doon sa kaso (Ang may still be included in the case, but a preliminary investigation has to be conducted to see if there is indeed evidence to charge him),” Fadullon said.

He added that the filing of criminal informations covering 26 counts of kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping with serious illegal detention is expected to be completed by next week. No bail has been recommended for the temporary liberty of those named in the charges.

“Informations are currently being prepared because there are quite a number of informations that will have to be filed in various courts. It will be filed in different jurisdictions. These will be in Batangas, Laguna and there is also in Parañaque,” Fadullon said.

This statement clarified an earlier DOJ announcement that 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide were filed Tuesday in three courts — the Regional Trial Court of Lipa City, RTC-Sta. Cruz, Laguna, and RTC-San Pablo, Laguna — against Ang and 21 others for their alleged involvement in the deaths of the missing sabungeros. (PNA)