Atong Ang faces murder, serious illegal detention raps over missing sabungeros

Businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and several others are now facing complaints of murder and serious illegal detention in connection with the disappearance of dozens of cockfighting aficionados, according to the brother of one of the victims.

The charges were filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Aug. 1, by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Ryan Bautista, whose brother Michael is among the missing sabungeros, was present at the DOJ when the complaints were lodged.

“Four years naming inantay ito,” Bautista told reporters.

PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III also arrived at the DOJ shortly after Bautista but declined to issue a statement.

“No statement on missing sabungeros, si SOJ iyan,” Torre said.

Ang has repeatedly denied the allegations against him.

The complaints come months after whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan claimed that Ang masterminded the abduction and disappearance of not just 34, but over 100 sabungeros.

Patidongan, who said he worked as Ang’s chief of security for 15 years, alleged that Ang gave direct orders to eliminate the victims.

“Siya ang mastermind, at siya ang nag-uutos na talagang iligpit ang mga ‘yan,” he said in an earlier televised interview.

Ang denied the accusations and proceeded to file counter-charges against Patidongan and another whistleblower, Alan “Brown” Bantiles.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his recent State of the Nation Address, vowed that the government is pursuing justice for the missing sabungeros.

The DOJ, PNP, and National Prosecution Service are expected to convene today to discuss the case further.