MANILA — A former security aide has publicly named businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang as the alleged mastermind behind the abduction and presumed killing of more than 30 missing cockfighters (sabungeros).

In an exclusive interview by Emil Sumangil aired on GMA’s 24 Oras, Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known by the alias “Totoy,” accused Ang of orchestrating the abductions and killings of several cockfighters.

Patidongan, a former chief of security for Ang’s cockfighting operations, claimed that Ang ordered the execution of cockfighters suspected of cheating. In the same interview, he also implicated actress Gretchen Barretto, asserting she had knowledge of the operations.

“Mr. Charlie Atong Ang and then Eric Dela Rosa, Engineer Celso Salazar, sila ang mastermind sa mga nawawalang sabungero,” Patidongan said in the interview.

He explained that Dela Rosa monitored cockfights for signs of cheating and reported alleged offenders to Ang. These reports, according to Patidongan, were then reviewed with Salazar.

“Then itawag sa akin na i-hold yung mga taong nagti-tiyope,” Patidongan said. “Si Mr. Atong Ang… siya ang pinaka-mastermind at siya nag-uutos na talagang iligpit ng mga ‘yan.”

Patidongan also alleged that police officers were used to carry out the abductions and executions, although he did not identify specific individuals within law enforcement.

When asked by GMA News to clarify his earlier references to a public figure involved in the case, Patidongan named actress Gretchen Barretto.

“100% na may kinalaman siya gawa na lagi silang magkasama ni Mr. Atong Ang. Ang panawagan ko lang, makipagtulungan na lang siya sa akin,” Patidongan said.

Malacañang Orders Probe on Missing Sabungeros

The gravity of the allegations prompted a response from the highest levels of government. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered a thorough investigation, particularly in light of reports implicating law enforcement personnel.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro conveyed the President’s stance:

“Ipagpatuloy po ang malalimang pag-iimbestiga para malaman kung sino talaga ang sangkot at mapanagot ang dapat mapanagot,” she said.

“We believe in the integrity of our courts and that this case will be resolved according to the law,” Castro added.

“Totoy” Cites Confidence Under Torre; Ang to File Complaint-Affidavit

Explaining his decision to speak publicly, Patidongan said he now feels safe under the leadership of newly appointed Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, General Nicolas Torre III.

“Lumutang ako dahil alam ko na ang pinagkatiwalaan kong tao na ang ating PNP chief. Alam kong hindi siya kayang bayaran,” he said.

The PNP has expressed full support for the ongoing probe. General Torre said the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) will work closely with the National Police Commission (Napolcom) in identifying and disciplining those involved.

Napolcom also launched a parallel investigation following Patidongan’s claim that as many as 20 police officers may have taken part in the disappearances. From 2021 to 2022, a total of 34 sabungeros were reported missing, sparking public outrage and demands for accountability.

Meanwhile, in response to Totoy’s statements, Ang is expected to file a complaint-affidavit on Thursday, July 3, 2025.

His legal counsel, Atty. Lorna Kapunan, said Ang intends to formally deny the allegations and “put an end to the speculation” surrounding his alleged involvement.

(Contributed photo)