Alias ‘Totoy’: “Atong Ang Wants Me Silenced for ₱50 Million”

🕵️‍♂️ A Sinister Price Tag

In an explosive claim that has sent shockwaves across the Philippines, a key figure in the case of the missing “sabungeros” — individuals involved in online cockfighting — has come forward with an alarming allegation. Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, known publicly as “Alias Totoy,” stated that a ₱50 million bounty has been placed on his head, and he points to one of the country’s most prominent gambling figures: Charlie “Atong” Ang.

“I am being targeted. They want me gone. I was offered millions before to do their bidding. Now they’re offering millions more to silence me,” Totoy declared in a televised interview with GMA’s 24 Oras, visibly anxious yet determined to reveal the truth.

🎮 Background: The Sabungeros Mystery

The term sabungeros refers to individuals involved in “e-sabong,” a now-banned online cockfighting platform that gained massive popularity — and controversy — during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021 and 2022, more than 30 sabungeros mysteriously disappeared. Some were last seen entering arenas. Others were reportedly taken from their homes or off the streets by unidentified men.

Despite widespread media coverage, congressional hearings, and appeals from families, the cases remain largely unresolved.

⚖️ Who is ‘Alias Totoy’?

Julie Patidongan, alias Totoy, first surfaced in 2022 when he was named as a suspect in the abduction of several sabungeros. He was arrested in Laguna but later turned into a state witness, flipping his previous statements and accusing powerful individuals — including Atong Ang — of orchestrating the entire operation.

Totoy claims he was previously hired as a “coordinator” to help facilitate the disappearance of these individuals, reportedly receiving ₱2 million upfront as part of a much larger payment package. His role, he said, included identifying and luring targets under false pretenses before turning them over to operatives.

“This wasn’t just about gambling debts,” Totoy said. “There were bigger players behind it. I was just a small piece of the puzzle.”

💰 The ₱50 Million Allegation

In his most recent media appearance, Totoy made the bold claim that a ₱50 million bounty has now been placed on his head — allegedly orchestrated by Atong Ang or his associates.

“They want me eliminated to protect their name, their operations. I know too much,” he told reporters.

According to Totoy, he learned of the bounty through contacts inside law enforcement, who informed him that a plan was underway to “remove” him from the equation before he could testify further or hand over damning evidence.

👨‍⚖️ Atong Ang Responds: “Lies and Extortion”

In response, Atong Ang has vehemently denied any connection to Totoy’s allegations, calling them “malicious and fabricated.” On July 3, 2025, he officially filed criminal complaints in Mandaluyong City against both Totoy and another associate, Alan Bantiles, accusing them of grave threats, coercion, and false testimony.

“This is nothing more than an attempt to extort me and damage my name. I have never been involved in any of the alleged disappearances, nor do I know this Totoy on a personal level,” Atong said during a press briefing.

His legal counsel further added that they will pursue all available legal remedies to “hold these individuals accountable for their lies.”

📹 CCTV Evidence and Online Leaks

GMA’s investigative team, along with a popular YouTube channel focusing on unsolved Filipino crimes, recently aired CCTV footage allegedly showing the abduction of a sabungero in Laguna in early 2022. While the footage is blurry, several online users have pointed out a man resembling Totoy helping direct victims into a van.

Totoy admits he is in the footage but claims he was “coerced” and that the video only tells half the story.

“There were police officers involved. I was just following orders,” he insists.

🕳️ A Deeper Rabbit Hole: Government, Gambling & Police

Totoy’s claims have reignited public scrutiny over the potential collusion between e-sabong operators, rogue law enforcement, and gambling syndicates.

In a 2022 Senate hearing, then-Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa voiced suspicions that elements within the police force may have been complicit. That same year, former President Rodrigo Duterte banned e-sabong operations due to mounting public pressure and the lack of resolution in the sabungeros case.

Totoy’s recent statements suggest that despite the ban, underground operations continue — possibly with even stronger ties to organized crime.

🤝 A Fragile Witness Under Threat

Now under protective custody, Totoy says he lives in constant fear. He avoids going out alone, changes locations frequently, and is surrounded by government security 24/7.

“The money they’re offering to get rid of me… I’m not sure if anything can protect me,” he said.

His family, he says, has also received threats, leading some of them to relocate to remote provinces. “They know everything about us. Names, addresses. They’re not just threatening me; they’re sending a message to all witnesses.”

🧩 What We Know So Far: Key Timeline

Date
Event

Early 2021
Online sabong surges during lockdowns

2022
Over 30 sabungeros reported missing

2022
Alias Totoy arrested, later becomes witness

2023
Atong Ang named in congressional inquiry but not charged

July 3, 2025
Totoy claims ₱50M bounty; Atong Ang files charges vs Totoy

❓ Unanswered Questions

Is Totoy telling the whole truth? – While his claims are explosive, many question his motives, timing, and the lack of hard evidence beyond his testimony.
Could law enforcement really be involved? – If true, it would represent one of the largest internal scandals since the War on Drugs.
What happened to the sabungeros? – The fate of the missing men remains unknown. Few bodies have been recovered. Some families still believe their loved ones are alive.
Why now? – Why is Totoy speaking out more openly now, three years after the events?

🔍 Analysis: Fact or Fiction?

Many analysts and legal experts remain divided. Some believe Totoy is being used as a political pawn to undermine powerful gambling figures. Others see him as a whistleblower whose conscience pushed him to reveal the dark underbelly of e-sabong.

“Either way,” said former DOJ prosecutor Atty. Gwen Ruales, “this case shows the dangerous overlap of business, politics, and law enforcement in the Philippines. We need a special task force — one that’s clean and independent.”

🇵🇭 Public Reaction

Public opinion is volatile. While some sympathize with Totoy, others feel he’s manipulating the narrative.

“I feel bad for the families of the sabungeros. But this guy Totoy? He was part of it,” said one commenter online. “Now he wants to play the hero?”

Meanwhile, hashtags like #JusticeForSabungeros, #AtongAng, and #AliasTotoy continue to trend on social media.

🔚 Conclusion: A Story Far From Over

With a bounty allegedly on his head and legal battles mounting on both sides, Alias Totoy’s story is far from over. The truth — whatever it may be — has yet to emerge fully. But one thing is certain: this case is a litmus test for Philippine justice, transparency, and accountability.

Will the real masterminds be held responsible?

Or will this case — like many others — vanish into the archives of unfinished justice?

📌 References & Sources:

GMA News: ‘Totoy’ claims P50M bounty placed on him
PEP.ph: Atong Ang denies involvement in sabungeros case
[Philippine Star Archives, 2022–2025]
[Senate hearing transcripts, Missing Sabungeros Inquiry, 2022]