The Disappearance of Dozens of Cockfighting Enthusiasts: A Legal Battle Between Atong Ang and Julie “Totoy” Patidongan

I. Introduction: An Explosive Allegation and a Swift Legal Response

In one of the most controversial turns in the long-standing case involving missing cockfighting (sabungero) enthusiasts in the Philippines, prominent businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang has officially filed criminal complaints against his former security officer, Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as “Alias Totoy.” The move came after Patidongan publicly accused Ang of masterminding the disappearance of more than 100 individuals involved in online cockfighting, also known as “e-sabong.”

Patidongan’s allegations—made in a televised interview—have shocked the public, not only because of the gravity of the claims, but also because of the high-profile individuals implicated. Ang, through his legal counsel, has categorically denied all accusations and responded with legal charges of his own, marking a new and intense phase in this years-long saga.

II. The Public Accusation: “He Gave the Orders”

In a GMA News exclusive aired on July 2, 2025, Julie “Totoy” Patidongan made headlines after alleging that his former employer, Atong Ang, directly ordered the abduction and murder of over 100 cockfighting enthusiasts between 2021 and 2022. Patidongan, who identified himself as a former chief of security in Ang’s farms and cockfighting venues, claimed he witnessed and carried out operations under Ang’s direction.

“They were taken and silenced. All of it had the boss’s blessing,” Patidongan stated, referring to Ang.

“We didn’t work alone. We had help from people higher up. Some are in the police. Some are politicians.”

Patidongan also named several individuals whom he alleged were involved:

Eric Dela Rosa and Celso Salazar, allegedly co-conspirators.
Actress Gretchen Barretto, who was described as being frequently seen accompanying Ang during key meetings and transactions.

These claims come amid a stalled investigation into the mysterious disappearance of sabungeros—many of whom vanished under suspicious circumstances after attending cockfighting events or participating in online betting rings.

III. The Response from Atong Ang: Denial, Legal Action, and Counterclaims

On July 3, 2025, just a day after Patidongan’s televised accusations, Atong Ang appeared at the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office to formally file multiple criminal complaints against Patidongan and another individual, Alan Bantiles, also known as “Brown.”

Through his legal counsel, Atty. Lorna Kapunan, Ang categorically denied all accusations and described them as a “deliberate fabrication designed to extort money.”

“Patidongan demanded ₱300 million from Mr. Ang and members of the board. When the extortion failed, he went public with lies,” said Atty. Kapunan in a media statement.

The charges filed by Ang include:

Attempted robbery with violence and intimidation
Grave threat
Grave coercion
Slander or libel

According to Ang’s legal team, the accusations have caused significant distress to his family and irreparably harmed his reputation. They appealed to the public and the media to refrain from sharing unverified information and to respect the legal process.

IV. Legal Grounds and Due Process: What the Charges Mean

The legal complaints filed by Atong Ang signal an intention to hold Patidongan accountable not just in the court of public opinion, but in a court of law. Here’s a breakdown of the charges:

Attempted Robbery with Violence and Intimidation: Allegedly, Patidongan used threats or force in his ₱300 million demand.
Grave Threat and Grave Coercion: These charges relate to the mental and reputational pressure caused by Patidongan’s accusations, which Ang’s team describes as a form of blackmail.
Slander: Publicly accusing someone of serious crimes without substantiated proof falls under this legal category.

While the case proceeds, both parties are expected to present documentation, witness testimony, and other forms of evidence to support their claims.

V. Patidongan’s Defense: “This Is Not About Money”

Julie Patidongan, for his part, insists that his allegations are motivated not by financial gain, but by a moral obligation to expose the truth. He has publicly denied any involvement in an extortion attempt.

“I never asked for money. That’s a lie. I want justice, not profit,” Patidongan said in a follow-up interview.

“I’m willing to testify in court. Let them investigate me fully. I’ve nothing to hide.”

He also issued an appeal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and newly-appointed PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III to take his claims seriously and ensure a fair and impartial investigation into both his testimony and the original cases of the missing sabungeros.

VI. The Context: What Happened to the Sabungeros?

Between 2021 and 2022, at least 34 reported cases of missing sabungeros were documented across various regions in the Philippines. In most cases, the victims disappeared after attending cockfighting events or withdrawing large winnings. The Department of Justice and the Philippine National Police launched multiple investigations, but few arrests were made and many families remain without answers.

Speculations abound—from syndicate involvement to insider betrayals. But until now, no witness had directly named a central figure. Patidongan’s testimony, if validated, could be a turning point.

VII. Implications: A Test of the Philippine Legal System

This high-profile confrontation is more than just a clash between two individuals. It also tests the ability of the Philippine legal system to handle:

Whistleblower protection vs. false testimony
Public accountability vs. defamation
Media freedom vs. responsibility

It also raises difficult questions:

If Patidongan is telling the truth, why did it take three years for him to come forward?
If he is lying, why would he risk perjury and a criminal record?

Answering these questions requires a full and impartial investigation, transparency from all parties, and a media ecosystem committed to accuracy and ethics.

VIII. Role of the Media and the Public

The media plays a powerful role in shaping public opinion in such cases. With millions of people reacting online within minutes of the first news report, it is crucial for journalists and media outlets to verify facts before publishing.

Likewise, the public must:

Avoid spreading speculation.
Seek out reputable news sources.
Refrain from online harassment of those involved.
Respect the presumption of innocence.

In a case involving potential mass murder and high-level corruption, premature judgment can derail justice.

IX. What Happens Next?

As of this writing, both the allegations and countercharges are under review by the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office. If a case proceeds to court, witnesses will be subpoenaed, evidence presented, and cross-examinations conducted.

Authorities will also examine:

Patidongan’s motives and history with Ang.
Any supporting documents (video, audio, emails).
Forensic trails linking any missing sabungeros to Ang’s businesses.
Connections between other named individuals.

Until then, the public is advised to stay informed—but cautious.

X. Conclusion: The Search for Truth Must Outweigh Sensationalism

Regardless of where the truth lies, the core of this issue remains the same: what happened to the missing sabungeros?

Every Filipino deserves an answer. Every family of the disappeared deserves closure. Every person accused deserves due process.

Only through careful, impartial, and diligent investigation can justice prevail—not through trial by media, nor through baseless accusations.

Whether Atong Ang is guilty, or Julie Patidongan is lying, or both are telling partial truths, only the courts—not the comment sections—can and should decide.

📚 Further Reading and Sources:

Atong Ang camp denies Patidongan tale, says he tried to extort P300 million – GMA News
Atong Ang files complaint vs. ‘Alias Totoy’ in Mandaluyong Court – GMA News
PhilStar report on Atong Ang and Gretchen Barretto’s alleged link to missing sabungeros