MURDER and serious illegal detention complaints were filed on Friday, August 1, 2025, against businessman and gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang, who was tagged as the “mastermind” in the case of the missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts).
The complaints against Ang and several John and Jane Does were lodged by relatives of the missing sabungeros before the Department of Justice (DOJ).
In a press briefing, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the testimonies of whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan were given weight in the complaints filed by the relatives against Ang.
Patidongan was earlier identified by Ang as the farm manager of his Pitmaster Group, whom he had entrusted not only with the general maintenance and daily operations of his farms but also with supervisory authority over security personnel, manpower deployment, and the provision of essential farm requirements.
He said Patidongan’s responsibilities extended to all locations where cockfighting events were regularly conducted, specifically in Lipa, Batangas; Sta. Cruz, Laguna; and Sta. Ana, Manila.
Patidongan identified Ang as the mastermind behind the disappearance and killing of the missing sabungeros, whose bodies were allegedly disposed of in Taal Lake.
He said he spoke out of conscience and mercy for the victims’ families.
“Minsan lang tayo magkaroon ng witness na highly placed, embedded sa criminal organization…very rare ito. It’s the first time in Philippine history na meron talagang whistleblower sa acts ng isang criminal organization. We should appreciate the fact that he is coming out bravely to do this. Napakahalaga ang pagtulong niya (Patidongan) sa atin dito,” said Remulla.
(It’s rare for us to have a highly placed witness embedded in a criminal organization… this is very rare. It’s the first time in Philippine history that there is a real whistleblower on the actions of a criminal organization. We should appreciate the fact that he is bravely coming forward to do this. His [Patidongan’s] help is extremely important to us in this case.)
“Ang information niya is considered highly reliable. Puwede paniwalaan talaga ang kanyang sinasabi,” he added.
(His information is considered highly reliable. What he says can truly be believed.)
Remulla said another witness is Patidongan’s brother, Elakim, who was arrested last week by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in an undisclosed Southeast Asian country.
He said Elakim’s reliability is “foolproof.”
“Kaya sa tingin namin talagang reliable din talaga, it also proves that totoy (Julie) was saying the right thing. Totoo ang sinasabi niya,” said Remulla.
(That’s why we believe he is also truly reliable. It also proves that Totoy [Julie] was telling the truth. What he’s saying is true.)
“Ang mabigat pa diyan, na-witness niya ang pagpatay. Sampung tao ang na-witness niyang pinatay. Mabigat ang mga paratang kasi mabigat ang kuwento ng taong nandoon sa pagganap ng krimen. Doon naganap ang krimen sa harap niya,” he added.
(What’s even more serious is that he witnessed the killings. He saw ten people being killed. The allegations are heavy because the account comes from someone who was present during the commission of the crime. The crime happened right in front of him.)
Elakim was the man who was seen in a security camera footage withdrawing from an ATM machine using a card that belonged to Melbert John Santos, who was reported missing on January 13, 2022.
Despite the filing of complaints, Remulla said further investigation is still ongoing, including the gathering of evidence, witnesses, and identification of other respondents.
He said actress Gretchen Barreto and other members of the Pitmaster’s “Alpha Group” could also be considered persons of interest in the killing of the sabungeros.
Remulla vowed to the fairness of the investigation.
“Mahalaga dito ay magkaroon po ng paglilitis pagdating ng panahon para naman magkaroon ng katahimikan ang lahat ng isipan nating mga Pilipino. Kasi nga, kung hindi natin gagawin ang dapat gawin dito, ano nalang tayo? Tayo ba ay alipin na lang ng pera? Ang buhay ba natin ay nakasasalay sa may pera? Kung sino mamimili? Kung sino mabubuha, sino mamamatay? Hindi naman tayo dapat ganun,” Remulla said.
(What’s important here is that a trial takes place in due time so that all Filipinos can find peace of mind. Because if we don’t do what must be done, what does that make us? Are we just slaves to money? Is our life dependent on whoever has the money—on who gets to live and who gets to die? We shouldn’t be like that.)
“Kaya as a responsible society, our legal system will not allow this kind of involvement of people in such heinous crime… Fair naman tayo. We do not condemn without listening. Ang mahalaga, due process. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law,” he added.
(That’s why, as a responsible society, our legal system will not allow people to be involved in such heinous crimes. We are fair. We do not condemn without listening. What’s important is due process. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.) TPM/SunStar Philippines)