Missing Sabungero update

 As of December 21, 2025, the case of the 34 missing sabungeros is at a critical turning point. Following the major indictment on December 9, the legal battle and the search for remains in Taal Lake have intensified.

1. Legal Status of Atong Ang

• Indictment: Businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang and 21 others (including 15 police officers) have been formally indicted for 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide and 16 counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention.

• Arrest Warrant Status: As of today, a formal warrant of arrest has not yet been issued by the courts. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is still in the process of filing the official "Information" (charge sheets) in the Regional Trial Courts of Lipa, Sta. Cruz, and San Pablo.

• Motion for Reconsideration: On December 17, 2025, Ang’s legal team filed a motion to reverse the indictment, arguing the evidence is "inconsistent." However, the DOJ has clarified that filing this motion does not stop them from proceeding with the court cases.

2. "Armed and Dangerous" Controversy

A major public row erupted this week between the government and Ang's camp:

• DILG Statement: Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla publicly stated that they consider Atong Ang "armed and dangerous," suggesting that the manner of his arrest would be "different" once the warrant is out.

• Defense Reaction: Ang’s lawyer, Atty. Gabriel Villareal, called these remarks "reckless" and "irresponsible," claiming they sound like a "shoot-to-kill" order. He maintains that Ang is still in the Philippines and is willing to surrender once a warrant exists.

3. The Taal Lake Search (Evidence)

The search for the victims' remains continues to yield grim results based on the testimony of whistleblower Julie "Dondon" Patidongan:

• Recovery of Bones: In November and early December 2025, search teams recovered a total of 57 human skeletal remains from the lake.

• Physical Evidence: Along with the bones, divers found black pants, a black belt, and white underwear—items that families are currently reviewing for identification.

• DNA Results: As of the latest update, the DOJ and NBI are still working on DNA matching. No positive matches have been officially announced yet, despite samples being taken from 33 families.

4. Dropped Charges

• Gretchen Barretto: The DOJ officially dismissed all complaints against the former actress. Prosecutors stated there was no evidence that she gave orders, provided logistics, or even had knowledge of the abductions.

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Summary of Key Players (Dec 2025)

Player	Current Status
Atong Ang	Indicted; remains in PH; awaiting court warrant.
15 Police Officers	Indicted for kidnapping and homicide; identification ongoing.
Julie Patidongan	Admitted as a State Witness; providing details on the Taal Lake dumping.
Gretchen Barretto	Cleared of all charges.

Would you like me to keep an eye out for the official issuance of the arrest warrants, or would you like to know more about the specific testimonies regarding the "Manila Arena" abductions?