“Nasa’n ang anak ko?” – This desperate question has become the rallying cry of families whose loved ones, known as missing sabungeros (cockfighting aficionados), vanished without a trace. As this chilling mystery stretches into years, public outcry has only intensified, especially after the name Atong Ang surfaced repeatedly in connection to the case.

But what really happened to these men? Why do authorities still struggle to provide closure? And what has Atong Ang said in response to these mounting allegations? Let’s dive into the full story behind one of the Philippines’ most controversial and heartbreaking cases.

Who Are the Missing Sabungeros?

The missing sabungeros refer to over 30 individuals who vanished between 2021 and 2022, many after participating in online or live cockfighting events (e-sabong). These men—fathers, brothers, sons—left for work or competitions and never returned. Since then, families have been left in torment, fighting for justice amid silence, denials, and growing frustration.

Despite extensive investigations, CCTV footage, and national attention, most leads have gone cold. But one name has repeatedly surfaced in the media storm surrounding the case: Atong Ang.

Who Is Atong Ang and Why Is He Being Linked?

Charlie “Atong” Ang is a businessman closely associated with the e-sabong industry. Though not officially charged in connection to the disappearances, his name continues to be mentioned by grieving families and observers who demand transparency.

In a viral interview, Ang finally addressed these suspicions. But was it enough?

What Did Atong Ang Say About the Missing Sabungeros?

In a recent video interview, Atong Ang denied any direct involvement in the disappearances, stating, “Wala akong kinalaman diyan. Huwag niyo akong idamay.” He expressed sympathy for the families but emphasized that he had no operational control over many sabungan sites where the men were last seen.

Despite this, families like those of Julio S., one of the early sabungeros to vanish, remain unconvinced.

“Kung wala siyang kinalaman, bakit hindi siya tumulong? Bakit parang gusto niyang matigil ang imbestigasyon?”, asked Julio’s father, his voice cracking with emotion.

Why Has the Investigation Stalled?

The investigation into the missing sabungeros has faced several obstacles:

Lack of physical evidence: Most disappearances lack bodies or confirmed crime scenes.

Jurisdiction issues: E-sabong sites operate across regions, complicating coordination.

Fear and silence: Witnesses and insiders may be too afraid to speak.

Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who chaired several Senate hearings on the case, admitted, “There are powerful people involved. That’s why progress is slow.”

The Ongoing Agony of the Families

For the families of the missing sabungeros, life has become a cycle of hope and heartbreak. Every public update, rumor, or whisper brings a glimmer of hope—and often a wave of disappointment.

Some mothers have begun their own online campaigns, posting TikToks and Facebook stories asking, “Nasa’n ang anak ko?”, a painful reminder that while the news cycle moves on, their grief remains.

Others have joined forces to demand deeper probes, calling for President Marcos Jr. to reopen the investigation with new urgency and broader scope.

Is Justice Still Possible?

The big question remains: Will the truth ever come out?

Some believe that a whistleblower or missing CCTV footage may finally break the case. Others worry that, like so many other high-profile disappearances in Philippine history, the sabungeros’ fate will be swallowed by time and bureaucracy.

But hope lingers. Public pressure, media attention, and the families’ persistence have kept the case alive. The more people demand answers, the harder it becomes to bury the truth.