Atong Ang with counsel Lorna Kapunan
PROMINENT businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang has filed a complaint accusing two former employees of attempting to extort ₱300 million from him.
Ang alleges that Julie A. Patidongan (also known as “Dondon”) and Alan “Brown” Bantiles threatened to implicate him and his family in the disappearance of several sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) if he refused to pay the substantial sum.
This shocking revelation follows Patidongan’s previous involvement in the high-profile disappearance of sabungeros at the Manila Arena in 2022, a case that sparked a Senate investigation and resulted in criminal charges against her and five others.
The extortion attempt reportedly began after Ang ceased providing legal and financial support to Patidongan and the other accused following their release on bail in 2023.
Ang claims that he then learned of a plot to kidnap his family, extort further funds, and ultimately, murder him.
The gravity of the accusations underscores the dangerous underbelly of the e-sabong industry and highlights the potential for exploitation and violence within its ranks.
Patidongan’s role as Ang’s farm manager for the Pitmasters group, a significant player in the e-sabong sector, further complicates the situation and raises questions about the industry’s internal controls and oversight.
The complaint, filed before the Mandaluyong Prosecutors Office, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing saga surrounding the disappearances and the alleged criminal activities within the e-sabong industry.
