A REGIONAL trial court in Laguna has issued a fresh warrant of arrest for gaming tycoon Charlie Tiu Hay Sy Ang, also known as Atong Ang, marking the third such order in less than a month.

The criminal charges link him to kidnapping and serious illegal detention in connection with the disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts.

The directive, issued by Branch 29 of the Regional Trial Court in San Pablo City, was based on sufficient evidence to prosecute Mr. Ang and several high-ranking police officers, according to Judge Luvina P. Roque in an order dated Feb. 6.

“As the accused is charged with a capital offense, no bail is fixed by the court,” the order read.

While 21 of Mr. Ang’s co-accused, including police personnel, are already in custody, he remains at large. Previous arrest warrants were issued in January by courts in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, and Lipa City, Batangas.

Justice spokesperson Raphael Niccolo L. Martinez said the new warrant has not yet been furnished to the prosecution panel at the Department of Justice (DoJ).

Mr. Ang has denied the allegations. His lawyer earlier denounced the Laguna court’s warrant as premature and “legally questionable,” arguing it was based only on DoJ submissions and failed to consider evidence supporting his client.

Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Juanito Victor C. Remulla, Jr. on Thursday said that the reward for information leading to Mr. Ang’s arrest has doubled to P20 million from P10 million initially. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking