Mother of Missing Sabungero Claims She Was Offered Help by Atong Ang’s Camp During Senate Hearing: Families Call for Full Investigation into Alleged Pressure and Coercion

Manila, Philippines — July 2025
In another startling revelation in the ongoing case of the missing sabungeros, the mother of one of the victims has come forward with claims that representatives from the camp of businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang approached and made an offer to her family during a Senate hearing. The alleged encounter, which took place in the halls of the Philippine Senate, is now raising serious concerns about the possible pressure tactics being used on the families of the disappeared individuals.

The Alleged Offer

During an emotional interview with media following a Senate inquiry on the missing sabungeros, the mother — whose identity is being withheld for security reasons — recounted that an individual allegedly linked to Atong Ang’s group offered them “help” in exchange for “calm and cooperation.”

“They told us, ‘Tutulungan namin kayo basta makipagtulungan lang kayo sa amin. Huwag na kayong maingay,’” the grieving mother said, fighting back tears.
(“They said, ‘We will help you as long as you cooperate with us. Just stay quiet.’”)

She clarified that no specific amount of money was mentioned, but the tone of the conversation felt coercive and unsettling, especially given the high-profile nature of the case and the power of the individuals allegedly involved.

Context: Mounting Pressure on Victims’ Families

The revelation adds to a growing list of complaints from the families of missing sabungeros, some of whom have said they were offered financial assistance, legal support, or “settlements” by unknown individuals allegedly connected to parties now under investigation — including powerful figures in the e-sabong industry.

Many families now worry not only about the fate of their loved ones but also about their safety and the integrity of the justice process.

“We want truth, not money. We don’t need favors — we need answers,” said another relative of a missing sabungero during the same Senate hearing.

Atong Ang’s Camp Responds

In response to the claims, a spokesperson for Atong Ang denied any wrongdoing and said the businessman has never authorized any individual or representative to approach the families in such a manner.

“Mr. Ang respects the pain of the families and fully supports the legal process. Any suggestion that he or his team pressured anyone is false and defamatory,” the statement read.

They added that they would cooperate fully with the Senate and DOJ in verifying the identities of anyone allegedly posing as part of Ang’s camp.

Senate Shocked by Allegation, May Launch Separate Probe

Senator Raffy Tulfo, who has been leading the Senate hearings on the sabungeros case, expressed shock and concern over the mother’s statement.

“Kung totoo ‘to, this is unacceptable. No one should be making deals with grieving families inside the Senate. We will look into this immediately,” Tulfo said.

The Senate is reportedly considering a separate investigation into alleged attempts to tamper with, silence, or influence families of victims, particularly during official proceedings.

Human Rights Advocates Call for Witness Protection

The incident has prompted several human rights organizations to call for the urgent placement of the families under the Witness Protection Program (WPP).

“These people are not just grieving — they are now at risk of being silenced,” said Atty. Jane Dumlao of Karapatan. “We call on the DOJ to provide immediate protection and investigate any form of intimidation or bribery.”

Connection to Broader Case Against Atong Ang

This latest development comes as Atong Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto were recently named as suspects in the case involving the disappearance of at least 34 sabungeros, many of whom were last seen entering cockfighting arenas or being picked up by unidentified men — some allegedly posing as police.

Investigators have received digital evidence, including USB drives, from whistleblower “Totoy,” linking Ang to several aspects of the case. Meanwhile, 15 police officers are currently under restricted custody, suspected of involvement in unlawful arrests and handovers.

Public Reaction: Outrage and Sympathy

Filipinos took to social media to express outrage over the latest revelation. Many criticized the alleged exploitation of the victims’ families and renewed calls for a full and transparent investigation.

The hashtag #JusticeForSabungeros once again began trending, with netizens demanding that the powerful be held accountable, regardless of their wealth or influence.

Conclusion

The claim that Atong Ang’s group made an offer to the mother of a missing sabungero inside the Senate is a chilling reminder of the pressures faced by families in high-profile criminal cases. As the investigation unfolds, it is becoming clear that the search for justice in the missing sabungeros case is not just about solving a crime — it is also about standing up to a culture of silence, fear, and impunity.

For the grieving families, the question remains: Who will truly stand with them — and who is trying to make them disappear, too?

Related Articles for Further Reading

‘Totoy’: DOJ receives USB proof linking Ang to missing sabungeros – GMA News
15 cops under restricted custody in sabungeros case – Manila Standard
Atong Ang, Gretchen Barretto named suspects in sabungeros case – Philstar
Senate investigates e-sabong disappearances, hears from families – Inquirer
Witness Protection Program urged for sabungeros’ families – SunStar