Atong Ang, Sen. Tulfo named in murder, illegal detention raps over missing sabungeros

Murder and serious illegal detention complaints have been formally filed before the Department of Justice against businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang and others allegedly behind the disappearance of dozens of online cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros.

At least 30 relatives of the missing individuals filed the complaints, which are a breakthrough in the investigation into the high-profile disappearances that have gripped the nation since 2021.

A leaked list allegedly from the affidavit of whistleblower Julie Patidongan identifies an "Alpha Group" as PITMASTER's innermost circle that allegedly dictated key decisions, including the fates of the missing sabungeros.

Among those named in the list are Ang, Senator Erwin Tulfo, retired General Jonnel Estomo, Eric dela Rosa as a co-mastermind, and lawyer Caroline Cruz as executive director of the Pitmaster Foundation.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed the charges, stating that a key witness testifies to Ang's involvement as the mastermind and head of a criminal organization.

Whistleblower Patidongan claims at least 34 cockfighters went missing between April 2021 and January 2022, with potentially up to a hundred victims.

Atong Ang welcomed the formal filing of cases against him and maintained his innocence, calling Patidongan's testimony "flawed, self-serving, and unsubstantiated."

Ang, through his lawyer, also accused Patidongan of operating a criminal network of illegal gambling, kidnapping, extortion, and intimidation, and of concocting a story to avoid consequences.