⚖️ ATONG ANG FACES MURDER AND ILLEGAL DETENTION CHARGES OVER MISSING ‘SABUNGEROS’ — WHISTLEBLOWER NAMES POWERFUL PLAYERS IN SH0CK1NG TESTIMONY

In one of the most significant legal developments of 2025, prominent businessman and gambling figure Charlie “Atong” Ang now faces multiple murder and serious illegal detention complaints related to the disappearance of at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts, commonly known as “sabungeros”, between 2021 and 2022. This complex and emotionally charged case, long marked by dead ends and silence, is now under a glaring spotlight after a whistleblower stepped forward with explosive testimony.

📌 BACKGROUND: THE SAGA OF THE MISSING SABUNGEROS

Between April 2021 and January 2022, dozens of Filipino men involved in e-sabong (online cockfighting) vanished under mysterious circumstances. Despite mounting public pressure, the cases stalled for years—without clear suspects, bodies, or leads.

Authorities were initially unable to trace the whereabouts of the missing sabungeros, most of whom had last been seen entering arenas operated by a single major player: PITMASTER Live, allegedly connected to Atong Ang.

Victims included bettors, game organizers, and technical personnel involved in high-stakes online cockfighting matches. Allegations surfaced that some of the victims were suspected of cheating or manipulating matches—giving rise to theories that criminal elements may have targeted them.

🔥 BREAKTHROUGH: WHISTLEBLOWER EXPOSES MASTERMIND

The case gained traction in mid-2025 when Julie “Totoy” Patidongan, a former security head of PITMASTER operations, came forward with a chilling narrative implicating Atong Ang and several others in a series of coordinated kidnappings and killings.

According to Patidongan’s affidavit and public statements, Ang allegedly gave direct orders to abduct and eliminate individuals believed to have rigged or stolen from PITMASTER games.

Key Accusations From Patidongan:

He was personally instructed by Atong Ang to “discipline” suspected sabungeros.
At least 10 victims were executed and their bodies disposed of in Taal Lake, according to eyewitness testimony.
Several other high-ranking operatives—including Engr. Celso Salazar, Eric Dela Rosa, and rogue police officers—were allegedly part of the plot.
Patidongan named Gretchen Barretto as a “person of interest” in the operations, suggesting she may have had knowledge of or involvement in specific decisions—though no charges have been filed against her.

Patidongan’s brothers, Elakim and Joshua, also submitted affidavits corroborating parts of the story.

⚖️ FORMAL COMPLAINTS FILED AT DOJ

On August 1 and 2, 2025, family members of the missing sabungeros—supported by the PNP-CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) and legal counsel—formally filed murder and serious illegal detention complaints against:

Charlie “Atong” Ang
Engr. Celso Salazar
Eric Dela Rosa
Multiple unnamed police officers

The complaints were filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Manila. DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed receipt of the filings and acknowledged that the office would move forward with a full evaluation and potential indictment.

“We believe there is sufficient basis to proceed with preliminary investigation. The testimonies must be weighed with full due process,” Remulla stated.

🧾 THE CHARGES EXPLAINED

1. Murder

The core of the complaint centers on allegations that Ang and his operatives ordered and executed the killings of multiple sabungeros to protect PITMASTER’s reputation and profits.

2. Serious Illegal Detention

Even in cases where murder cannot yet be confirmed, families allege that their loved ones were illegally detained, with several last seen being forcibly taken from arenas, parking lots, or hotels associated with PITMASTER.

If proven guilty, the accused may face life imprisonment without parole, according to Philippine penal codes on multiple murder and kidnapping.

🆚 ATONG ANG STRIKES BACK: COUNTER-CHARGES AND EXTORTION CLAIM

In a surprise legal maneuver on July 3, 2025, even before the formal filing by the families, Atong Ang filed five separate criminal complaints against Patidongan and another individual, Allan Bantiles, at the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office.

Allegations Made by Atong Ang:

Conspiracy to commit robbery
Grave threats
Grave coercion
Slander
Incriminating innocent persons

Ang accuses Patidongan of attempting to extort ₱300 million in exchange for his silence.

“They threatened to destroy my name if I refused to pay,” Ang said in his sworn complaint. “This is nothing more than blackmail.”

He denied all involvement in the disappearances, calling Patidongan a disgruntled former employee trying to smear his name out of revenge.

Ang also stated he is willing to open PITMASTER’s financial records and operational documents for review by authorities.

🔄 PATIDONGAN TO FILE COUNTER-COUNTER-CHARGES

On August 2, 2025, Julie Patidongan responded to Ang’s complaints by announcing that he would file counter-counter charges against both Atong Ang and Allan Bantiles.

He accused Ang of orchestrating a smear campaign and leveraging legal threats to silence whistleblowers and shield himself from criminal prosecution.

“I am not afraid of threats. I will fight for justice. The families of those missing deserve the truth,” Patidongan said in a statement to reporters.

👪 VICTIMS’ FAMILIES SPEAK OUT

For the first time in years, family members of the missing sabungeros appeared united in pursuit of justice.

Spokespersons representing more than 30 families emotionally pleaded for accountability during their appearance at the DOJ.

Notable Statements:

Charlene Lasco, wife of a missing sabungero: “We just want to bring them home, even if it’s just their bones.”
Merlyn Gomez, mother of a victim: “Please help us find out what really happened. We cannot sleep, we cannot move on.”

The victims’ families hope that with a credible witness and formal charges in motion, the investigation will no longer be ignored or delayed.

🧠 ANALYSIS: WHAT MAKES THIS CASE UNIQUE?

1. High-Profile Accused

Atong Ang is a well-known figure in the gambling industry and reportedly has deep political ties. The willingness to investigate and potentially indict such a prominent individual is being viewed as a test of the Philippine justice system.

2. Organized Crime Allegations

DOJ officials hinted that this may not just be a case of individual wrongdoing—but rather a pattern of systemic violence involving private security forces, rogue police officers, and possible money laundering.

3. Evidence of Collusion

Whistleblower testimonies suggest that police officers either participated in or covered up the crimes, raising concerns of state involvement or complicity.

🕰️ TIMELINE OF KEY EVENTS

Date
Event

Apr 2021 – Jan 2022
34 sabungeros go missing across Luzon.

Jun 2025
Patidongan breaks silence, implicates Ang in testimony.

Jul 3, 2025
Ang files charges vs. Patidongan and Bantiles.

Aug 1–2, 2025
Murder and detention complaints filed against Ang at DOJ.

Aug 2, 2025
Patidongan announces counter-counter legal action.

🧭 WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

DOJ PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION

The DOJ is now tasked with conducting a preliminary investigation. If probable cause is found, formal criminal charges will be filed, and a trial will proceed.

POTENTIAL OUTCOMES:

Formal indictment of Ang and associates
Arrest warrants for named respondents
Further witness testimonies or plea bargains
Possible exhumation or search for physical remains

🔎 PUBLIC REACTION

Public sentiment is mixed but deeply emotional.

Many praise Patidongan’s bravery, viewing his testimony as a breakthrough. Others question the timing and suggest political motivations.

Meanwhile, human rights groups and advocacy organizations are calling for protection for witnesses and families, citing historical cases where whistleblowers were harassed or silenced.

✅ CONCLUSION

This case, involving powerful personalities, years of silence, and unimaginable grief, now sits at the center of the country’s judicial and moral crossroads. Whether it leads to convictions, acquittals, or deeper revelations, the fight for justice for the missing sabungeros has finally begun—with the spotlight now on how far the

Philippine legal system is willing to go for the truth.

📚 RELATED READING

Murder raps filed vs ‘main player’ Atong Ang, others over missing sabungeros – Philstar
Atong Ang faces murder, serious illegal detention raps over missing sabungeros – Pang-Masa
Whistleblower details alleged execution orders from Atong Ang – GMA News
Patidongan to file counter charges vs Atong Ang over extortion claims – Manila Bulletin
Timeline of the 34 missing sabungeros: Unresolved disappearances – PEP.ph