Just when the world thought the storm around businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and actress-socialite Gretchen Barretto had calmed, a new firestorm has erupted—one that threatens to unravel their empire, their reputations, and perhaps even their freedom.

In a stunning televised interview, a former insider—Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, known as “Totoy”—came forward with chilling allegations that have sent shockwaves through both political and celebrity circles. Totoy, who once served as the chief of security for one of Atong Ang’s cockfighting operations, accused the tycoon of being behind the disappearances—and possible murders—of dozens of sabungeros (cockfight bettors) who vanished between 2021 and 2022. These disappearances, long shrouded in mystery, are now being linked directly to the dark underside of Ang’s former e-sabong empire.

But perhaps even more explosive was Totoy’s claim that Gretchen Barretto, known for her decades in Philippine showbiz and her status as a socialite and businesswoman, was fully aware of the operations. According to the whistleblower, she was often present at meetings where plans were discussed, adding a disturbing layer to what many assumed was merely a business or personal alliance.

As the allegations gained traction, the Department of Justice confirmed that both Atong Ang and Gretchen Barretto are no longer being treated merely as persons of interest but are now considered suspects in the ongoing investigation into the sabungeros’ disappearances. According to insiders at the DOJ, prosecutors are reviewing mounting evidence and are expected to file formal charges soon. The Justice Secretary emphasized that this issue transcends politics or media spectacle—it is, in his words, a “national matter.”

The e-sabong industry, once seen as a digital innovation generating hundreds of millions of pesos weekly, is now tainted by the shadows of corruption and criminality. If the allegations are true, bettors who found themselves on the wrong side of the business may have met horrifying ends—some allegedly buried in shallow graves near Taal, others simply vanishing without a trace.

Unsurprisingly, Atong Ang’s legal team has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the accusations are fabrications driven by blackmail. In fact, they have already filed a complaint against Totoy, accusing him of attempting to extort ₱300 million in exchange for retracting his statement. Gretchen Barretto, for her part, has yet to make a full public statement, offering only a brief comment that she would speak out “at the appropriate time.”

As of now, the entire country—and indeed, much of the Filipino diaspora—watches in suspense. What began as whispers of scandal has now snowballed into what could become one of the most high-profile legal and moral reckonings in recent memory. The stakes are monumental: a powerful businessman, a legendary actress, a trail of missing persons, and the looming promise of justice.

Will Atong and Gretchen manage to clear their names—or will this scandal mark the dramatic fall of two of the country’s most controversial figures? One thing is certain: the truth is coming, and it may be darker than anyone imagined.