Atong Ang, Gretchen Barretto tagged as suspects in missing sabungeros case

Businessman Atong Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto are considered suspects in the case of the missing sabungeros, with former security chief Julie "Dondon" Patidongan identifying Ang as the mastermind and linking Barretto to the abductions.

Patidongan alleged that Barretto agreed during a meeting that cheating sabungeros must be dealt with.

Barretto's lawyer, Atty. Alma Mallonga, categorically denied the allegations, stating her client was merely an investor in e-sabong operations and had nothing to do with the disappearances.

Mallonga emphasized that Barretto attended no meetings where the disappearances were approved, calling the proposition absurd.

Despite clarifications, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is proceeding with a case build-up against both Ang and Barretto, with a group of fiscals evaluating evidence for appropriate charges.

Family members of the missing sabungeros were not surprised by the alleged involvement of Ang and Barretto, having heard similar claims even before their loved ones disappeared.

Ang has previously denied the allegations and filed an attempted extortion case against Patidongan and another former aide, Alan Bantiles, who also accused Ang of being behind the disappearances.