FAMILIES of missing sabungeros (cockfight enthusiasts) filed a complaint with the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday, naming businessman Atong Ang as the alleged mastermind behind their disappearances.
The complaint, filed after years of investigation, is based on the testimony of whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, who previously implicated Ang in the abductions.
The complaint also names actress Gretchen Barretto and former National Capital Region Police Office chief, retired Police General Jonnel Estomo, as subjects of the investigation, although their specific roles remain to be determined. Ang, Barretto, and Estomo have all denied any involvement in the disappearances.
Ryan Bautista, whose brother Michael is among the missing, confirmed that the complaint includes charges of serious illegal detention and multiple murder.
Charlene Lasco, sister of another missing sabungero, Ricardo Lasco, similarly identified Ang as a key respondent. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed the existence of a witness who testified to Ang’s alleged involvement as the mastermind of a criminal organization responsible for the abductions.
Remulla also stated that affidavits from Patidongan and his siblings are included in the complaint, further strengthening the case against Ang.
Secretary Remulla highlighted Ang’s significant role in the e-sabong industry, describing him as a “main player” and emphasizing the difficulty of prosecuting criminal organizations, particularly in proving the involvement of the organization’s leader.
While Remulla couldn’t confirm Barretto’s status as a respondent, he acknowledged her as a person of interest in the ongoing investigation. The filing of the complaint marks a significant step forward in the long-running case, offering a potential path to justice for the families of the missing sabungeros.
