Inside the Maze: The Whistleblower Totoy, a Former Judge, Atong Ang, and the Vanishing of Dozens of Sabungeros in the E-Sabong Underworld (NH)

Inside the Maze: The Whistleblower Totoy, a Former Judge, Atong Ang, and the Vanishing of Dozens of Sabungeros in the E-Sabong Underworld

Introduction

In mid-2025, a man known only as “Alyas Totoy” stepped into the national spotlight, claiming he held key knowledge in the mysterious disappearance of more than 30 cockfighting players, or sabungeros, who vanished between 2021 and 2022. But what began as a chilling tale of missing persons quickly unraveled into something larger—an alleged web of influence, cover-ups, and powerful personalities, including a former judge, rogue police officers, and businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, a major figure in the Philippines’ gaming industry.

As Totoy’s allegations began circulating, they shook the public, galvanized law enforcement, and prompted the Supreme Court to begin its own internal probe. At the heart of the story lies not only the fate of the missing men—but the integrity of institutions meant to protect public welfare, ensure justice, and regulate gaming.

This report investigates the timeline, key players, competing narratives, and potential consequences of a case that may redefine the limits of law, power, and truth in the Philippines.

Who Is Alyas Totoy?

Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, widely known by the pseudonym Alyas Totoy, previously worked as a security guard in cockfighting arenas. His life changed when he surfaced as a whistleblower in the long-unsolved disappearance of dozens of sabungeros across Luzon.

In his testimony, Totoy claimed to have been part of a group that operated within a sophisticated system—allegedly orchestrated to abduct, silence, and dispose of sabungeros involved in e-sabong. His decision to speak out, even at risk to his own safety, marked a rare turning point in a case that had stalled for years.

Totoy is now under protective custody. Authorities confirmed that his statements—though not yet submitted as a formal affidavit—are central to ongoing investigations by the Department of Justice, Philippine National Police (PNP), and Supreme Court.

The Missing Sabungeros: What Totoy Claims

According to Totoy, between April 2021 and January 2022, multiple groups of sabungeros disappeared after attending or working in online cockfighting operations. He alleged that:

Victims were lured to specific locations, abducted, and in some cases, strangled.
Bodies were allegedly weighed down with sandbags and dumped in deep areas of Taal Lake to avoid detection.
The operation was carefully managed, involving both civilians and law enforcement officers.

Totoy stated that he personally witnessed or was involved in the transport of victims to remote locations. He described certain killings in detail, naming specific sites in Batangas, Bulacan, and Metro Manila.

These statements—if proven—would transform the case from a series of isolated disappearances into a coordinated criminal operation.

A Former Judge and Alleged Fixer

One of the most explosive parts of Totoy’s account is the alleged involvement of a former judge previously associated with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Totoy claims this judge acted as a fixer—helping to connect parties, facilitate meetings, and potentially obstruct legal scrutiny.

This judge, whose name has not been disclosed publicly, is now the subject of a formal investigation by the Supreme Court. The inquiry seeks to determine whether the individual abused their judicial authority or misused connections within PCSO or other agencies to assist illegal operations.

Legal analysts have called this a critical juncture, warning that if a former member of the judiciary is found complicit, it may signal deeper cracks in the justice system—especially where the judiciary intersects with private commercial interests.

Atong Ang: Denial and Counterattack

Central to Totoy’s testimony is the alleged involvement of Charlie “Atong” Ang, a prominent figure in the e-sabong and gaming industries.

Totoy claims that Ang was not only aware of the operations but gave direct instructions to eliminate certain sabungeros. According to him, Ang’s motivation was to protect high-stakes e-sabong interests and silence individuals who were either suspected of leaking data or interfering with revenue streams.

In response, Atong Ang categorically denied all accusations. In public statements, he described Totoy’s claims as baseless, malicious, and part of an extortion plot. Ang alleged that Totoy had previously approached his office demanding hundreds of millions of pesos in exchange for silence.

To defend his reputation, Ang has filed multiple criminal complaints against Totoy, including charges of grave threats, extortion, defamation, and conspiracy to commit violence. His legal team maintains that the entire narrative is politically motivated and meant to damage his business interests and credibility.

Ang further stated that he would present financial documents and other evidence to show that he had no ties to the alleged disappearances, and had, in fact, left active involvement in e-sabong operations prior to the timeline mentioned by Totoy.

Law Enforcement’s Position

The PNP has taken steps to ensure Totoy’s safety, confirming that he is under protective custody while legal documentation is being processed. Investigators have asked Totoy to submit a full affidavit, which remains pending. Without a sworn statement, authorities face legal limitations in acting on his testimony alone.

Meanwhile, several police officers previously linked to the disappearance cases—some of whom were earlier reassigned or placed under internal investigation—are now facing renewed scrutiny following Totoy’s claims.

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has also opened a parallel review of officers who were active in affected jurisdictions during the period in question.

Taal Lake: Site of Secrets?

Businessman Atong Ang denies link to missing sabungero case - The Filipino Times

One of Totoy’s most disturbing claims is that several victims were killed and their bodies dumped into the depths of Taal Lake, located in Batangas. He described a specific modus operandi: the victims were strangled, tied to weights, and dropped into deepwater zones near fish pens.

In response, government authorities have begun mapping out areas where underwater search and recovery missions may take place. These operations, which require high-tech equipment and forensic divers, are expected to be supported by local scientific agencies and possibly international partners.

The results of these underwater searches could determine whether Totoy’s claims hold forensic credibility—or are dismissed as unverified allegations.

Supreme Court and DOJ Action

The Supreme Court has launched an internal ethics and conduct investigation into the former judge mentioned by Totoy. Although no official name has been released, sources confirm that the inquiry is being treated with urgency, given its potential to damage judicial credibility.

Simultaneously, the Department of Justice is coordinating with law enforcement agencies to validate Totoy’s statements and assess whether he qualifies for protection under the Witness Protection Program.

The DOJ has also called on the public to withhold judgment until official affidavits and evidence are fully evaluated. While the story has captivated headlines, legal experts stress that due process must remain central in both pursuing justice and protecting the rights of the accused.

Institutional Trust and Public Outcry

The scandal has triggered widespread concern about how deep corruption may run in the institutions involved in e-sabong—particularly in regulatory, enforcement, and judicial branches.

Public trust in PCSO, the PNP, and other bodies has been shaken, prompting calls for greater transparency, reform, and whistleblower protection. Many netizens and civil society leaders have demanded that high-profile figures named in the case be thoroughly investigated, regardless of status or connections.

Social media has played a powerful role in amplifying both sides of the story, with videos of Totoy’s interviews, opinion segments, and online debates circulating rapidly. While some see him as a courageous whistleblower, others question his motives and the timing of his testimony.

What Lies Ahead?

The coming weeks will be decisive. Investigators are awaiting:

Totoy’s official affidavit, which is necessary for building formal charges.
Results from Taal Lake forensic dives.
Findings from the Supreme Court investigation into the former judge.
Possible responses or countersuits from other named individuals.
Senate and House discussions on e-sabong regulation and judicial accountability.

Conclusion

The story of Alyas Totoy, the missing sabungeros, a former judge, and Atong Ang represents more than a sensational headline. It is a window into the complex interplay between power, secrecy, and justice in the Philippines.

If Totoy’s allegations are substantiated, it could lead to one of the largest legal and political reckonings in recent history. If they fall apart under scrutiny, it may raise hard questions about truth, manipulation, and how far personal vendettas can go in a media-driven society.

For now, the nation waits—watching a legal drama unfold, one affidavit and one investigation at a time.