FIVE co-accused of businessman Atong Ang have entered not guilty pleas in connection with the high-profile case involving several missing cockfighters.
During their arraignment before a regional trial court, the five respondents formally denied the charges filed against them in relation to the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts who were reported missing at the height of the e-sabong controversy.
The case stems from complaints filed by the families of the missing individuals, who alleged that their relatives vanished under suspicious circumstances after participating in online cockfighting operations. Authorities previously conducted extensive investigations, including the review of surveillance footage, witness testimonies, and financial records, in an effort to establish possible links among the accused.
Ang, a prominent gaming and cockfighting figure, has earlier denied any wrongdoing. His legal camp has maintained that he is not involved in the alleged abductions and has expressed readiness to face the charges in court.
Prosecutors, however, argued that sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial, prompting the court to issue arrest warrants against the accused. The filing of not guilty pleas sets the stage for pre-trial proceedings, where both the prosecution and defense will outline their evidence and witnesses.
The case has drawn widespread public attention, particularly from families seeking answers and accountability over the disappearance of their loved ones. Law enforcement agencies have vowed to continue pursuing all leads to uncover the truth behind the unresolved cases.
The court is expected to schedule pre-trial hearings in the coming weeks as the legal battle moves forward.|
