Atong Ang and Two Others Named as Alleged Masterminds in Missing Sabungeros Case

Manila, Philippines – July 2025

Businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, along with two unidentified individuals, has been named by a self-proclaimed whistleblower as one of the alleged masterminds behind the disappearance of over 30 sabungeros (cockfighting players) who went missing between 2021 and 2022. The accusation was made public in a televised interview with Julie “Alyas Totoy” Patidongan, a former member of Ang’s reported security group.

While the allegations have yet to be proven in court, they have reignited nationwide attention on a case that has baffled authorities and outraged the public for over three years.

🔍 The Allegations from Alyas “Totoy”

In a July 2025 media appearance, Totoy alleged that the mass disappearance of sabungeros was a result of planned and organized actions by individuals closely tied to the illegal e-sabong industry. He specifically named Atong Ang as the primary figure and claimed two other individuals—reportedly security or logistics personnel—also played key roles.

“Hindi ito simpleng pagkawala. May sistema, may utos, at may dahilan,” Totoy said, implying the involvement of high-level figures in orchestrating the disappearances.

He further claimed the operations were connected to financial disputes, game-fixing, and silencing insiders, though he did not provide hard evidence during the interview.

📌 Who Is Atong Ang?

Charlie “Atong” Ang is a controversial Filipino businessman long associated with cockfighting operations and electronic gambling. He has denied any illegal activity in the past and insists that all of his ventures are legitimate and government-licensed.

Through his legal team, Ang strongly denied the accusations and labeled Totoy’s claims as part of a “malicious extortion attempt”. Ang has filed multiple criminal complaints against Patidongan, including charges of:

Attempted robbery
Grave threats
Slander
Extortion amounting to ₱300 million

His lawyer, Atty. Lorna Kapunan, called the statements “baseless” and emphasized that Totoy is not a credible witness, having no official role or documentation tying him directly to Ang’s companies.

🧑‍⚖️ Legal Proceedings and Investigations

The Department of Justice (DOJ) acknowledged the public’s renewed interest and announced that all individuals named in Totoy’s testimony would be evaluated.

“The public must understand that accusations are not convictions. We will handle all claims through due process,” said DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed that it is reopening specific case files and reviewing CCTV footage, logs, and mobile data of the last-known locations of the missing sabungeros.

While Atong Ang and the two unnamed individuals have not yet been formally charged, legal experts say the current investigation could shift if any supporting evidence emerges.

🧩 Background: Disappearance of Sabungeros

Between late 2021 and mid-2022, at least 34 individuals linked to cockfighting events—mostly e-sabong—vanished under mysterious circumstances. Many of them were last seen inside arenas, parking lots, or transport hubs. To date, none of the missing have been found, and no confirmed suspects have been convicted.

The case led to a nationwide crackdown on e-sabong in 2022 under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who called the disappearances “deeply disturbing” and vowed justice for the families.

📣 Public Reaction and Growing Pressure

With Totoy’s new testimony, public calls for justice have intensified. Hashtags like #JusticeForSabungeros and #HoldMastermindsAccountable trended on social media after the broadcast aired.

Some are urging known associates of Ang—such as actress Gretchen Barretto—to come forward if they possess any knowledge of the operations. Barretto has not been accused of any crime, but was mentioned by Totoy as frequently accompanying Ang at business meetings.

So far, Barretto has remained silent, reportedly consulting with legal advisors on how to proceed.

🧭 What Happens Next?

Legal analysts caution the public and media to avoid trial by publicity. Though whistleblowers play an important role, investigations must rely on credible evidence and legal standards.

The DOJ and PNP are expected to:

Reassess past testimonies
Interview additional witnesses
Seek digital evidence from mobile phones, cameras, and financial records

If any corroborating evidence supports Totoy’s claims, charges could be filed against those implicated.

📌 Conclusion

The naming of Atong Ang and two others as alleged masterminds marks a turning point in the long-stalled investigation into the disappearance of the sabungeros. While the path to justice remains uncertain, the renewed pressure from whistleblowers and the public may finally bring long-awaited answers to the victims’ families.

📚 Related Articles for Further Reading:

Atong Ang Files Extortion Complaint Against Alyas Totoy
Timeline: The Missing Sabungeros Case (2021–2025)
How E-Sabong Was Banned in the Philippines
The Role of Whistleblowers in Criminal Investigations