🔎 Missing Sabungeros Update: Are Gretchen Barretto and Atong Ang Connected to the Ongoing Investigation?

INTRODUCTION

The ongoing investigation into the mysterious disappearance of over 30 “sabungeros” (cockfighting enthusiasts) in the Philippines continues to grip national attention. While authorities have yet to make a final breakthrough, new names have recently surfaced in public discourse—including Gretchen Barretto, a former actress and socialite, and businessman Atong Ang.

These individuals, both known figures in Filipino media and business circles, have been loosely mentioned in connection to the broader “e-sabong” (online cockfighting) industry. While no formal charges have been filed against them as of this writing, speculations have swirled due to their known associations with gambling operations and entertainment-linked enterprises.

In this article, we examine what’s fact, what’s speculation, and where the investigation currently stands—keeping in mind the legal principle that everyone is presumed innocent unless proven otherwise.

THE MISSING SABUNGEROS CASE: AN OVERVIEW

Since early 2022, multiple families have reported their loved ones—most of them involved in online or in-person cockfighting events—as missing under suspicious circumstances. These disappearances, often involving similar patterns (last seen at arenas, invited to specific betting events, or following a sudden phone call), created a national crisis that prompted Senate hearings, NBI investigations, and widespread public concern.

Over time, law enforcement linked the disappearances to illegal e-sabong activities and possibly organized syndicates operating behind them.

To date, dozens remain missing, and the case has expanded to include a growing list of names allegedly connected to the operations, either as financiers, brokers, or venue owners.

GRETCHEN BARRETTO AND ATONG ANG: WHY ARE THEY MENTIONED?

Gretchen Barretto and Atong Ang have long been public figures associated with gaming and high-stakes business dealings. Atong, in particular, has openly discussed his involvement in legal gaming franchises and betting operations.

Their names have been drawn into the narrative primarily due to:

Public associations with gambling ventures, including cockfighting arenas and online platforms.
Alleged mentions during Senate hearings by witnesses or individuals under investigation.
Online chatter and blog articles speculating their role, without verified evidence.

However, as of this writing, no official complaint or charge has been filed against either of them related to the missing sabungeros.

WHAT HAVE THEY SAID?

Gretchen Barretto has remained mostly quiet on the issue, with no official statements released through traditional or social media. However, her close personal and business relationship with Atong Ang has led some to speculate that she may have indirect knowledge of related operations.

Atong Ang, for his part, has previously spoken in Senate hearings (on unrelated gaming topics), where he firmly maintained that his business operations are legal and regulated. While some lawmakers have questioned the depth of his involvement in the gambling world, he has repeatedly emphasized that he operates under proper permits and legal frameworks.

Neither of the two has been summoned in the latest NBI updates or in connection with new search warrants or testimonies related to the sabungeros.

PUBLIC REACTION AND MEDIA NOISE

Social media has been a breeding ground for unverified theories and high-profile name-dropping, which has made it difficult to separate fact from speculation.

Some posts allege that the disappearances are linked to debts, internal disputes among syndicates, or even betting manipulation.
Others claim there may be political motivations behind some of the accusations being floated in the public eye.

However, multiple credible sources, including Senate investigators, have urged the public not to rely on social media rumors, and to wait for verified information.

“We understand the public’s interest, but we must remain grounded in evidence,” one senator noted during a recent press briefing.

LAW ENFORCEMENT’S CURRENT FOCUS

As of mid-2025, the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) and PNP (Philippine National Police) are pursuing multiple leads that may involve:

Financial transactions and digital payment traces linked to illegal betting pools.
Security footage from cockfighting arenas and warehouses in Cavite, Laguna, and Bulacan.
Communications records showing patterns between organizers, handlers, and players.

Authorities have also reportedly interviewed former insiders from e-sabong groups, some of whom have entered witness protection in exchange for information.

At this stage, investigations are pointing more strongly toward internal syndicate conflicts than high-profile celebrity involvement.

THE BROADER ISSUE: REGULATION AND RESPONSIBILITY

The case of the missing sabungeros has reopened national discussions about the social and legal implications of e-sabong and other forms of online gambling.

In 2022, then-President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the suspension of e-sabong due to the rising social costs and missing persons cases linked to it. Despite this, underground operations persisted.

Advocates now call for:

Stricter regulation of gaming businesses, including background checks and player safety policies.
Stronger whistleblower protections to encourage more insiders to come forward.
Public education about the risks of unregulated gambling platforms.

WHERE DO GRETCHEN AND ATONG STAND NOW?

At this point:

Gretchen Barretto has not been named in any formal documents or summons.
Atong Ang, while previously questioned in unrelated gaming hearings, has not been accused or charged in the missing sabungeros case.
Both remain public figures under scrutiny, but without any confirmed legal involvement in this specific incident.

Legal experts caution against drawing conclusions based on association alone. Until law enforcement agencies confirm facts or issue charges, mentioning names without evidence remains speculative and potentially harmful.

THE FAMILIES: STILL WAITING FOR CLOSURE

Meanwhile, the families of the missing sabungeros continue to seek answers. Despite years of waiting, few cases have seen resolution. Some relatives continue to hold vigils, attend hearings, and meet with investigators, hoping for progress or even closure—whether through recovered individuals or confirmed reports.

CONCLUSION

While the names of Gretchen Barretto and Atong Ang have surfaced in public discussions around the missing sabungeros, there is no verified evidence to suggest their direct involvement as of now. Their public profiles and previous connections to legal gaming ventures may have made them subjects of interest or speculation, but law enforcement efforts are currently focused elsewhere—particularly on underground syndicates and internal criminal networks.

The case remains open and highly sensitive. As investigators continue their work, the public is urged to focus on verified information and avoid prematurely assigning blame. The search for truth, accountability, and justice for the missing individuals must remain the central priority.