FILE

The Department of Justice has approved the filing of multiple criminal charges against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and 21 other respondents, saying prosecutors found prima facie evidence strong enough to support a conviction.

In a press statement released on December 9, the DOJ said a panel of prosecutors completed a “meticulous evaluation” of the consolidated cases and recommended the indictment of several respondents for 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide and 16 counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention.

According to the DOJ, the following individuals will face charges for 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide: Charlie Tiu Hay Ang also known as Atong Ang; PLtCol. Ryan Jay Orapa; Rogelio Teodoso Borican Jr.; Rodelo Anig-ig; Mark Carlo Zabala; Ronquillo Anding; 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; PMaj Philip Almedilla; PLT Henry Sasaluya; PCMS Arturo Dela Cruz; PSMS Farvy Opalla Dela Cruz; PSSG Alfredo Uy Andes; PCpl. Angel Joseph Martin; Jezrel Lazarte Mahilum; Emman Cayunda Falle; Julious Tagalog Gumulon; and PMSg Renan Lagrosa Fulgencio.

The panel also found sufficient basis to charge the following respondents with 16 counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention: Charlie Tiu Hay Ang also known as Atong Atong Ang; PLtCol. Ryan Jay Orapa; PMSg Michael Jacitin Claveria; Rodelo Anig-ig; Rogelio Borican Jr.; PSSG Alfredo Uy Andes; PMaj Philip Simborio Almedilla; PSMS Joey Encarnacion; PEMS Aaron Ezrah Lagahit Cabillan; and several John Does, described as unidentified policemen allegedly under Orapa’s group.

The DOJ said cases against other respondents were dismissed without prejudice, meaning the complaints may be refiled if new evidence directly linking them to the alleged unlawful detention emerges.

With the resolution finalized, the DOJ said it “prays that the courts exact justice on those who should be held accountable.”