Kin of missing ‘sabungeros’ file murder charges vs. Atong Ang, others

By Benjamin Pulta, Philippine News Agency

The families of the missing sabungeros file murder and serious illegal detention charges against tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang at the Department of Justice in Manila on Friday (Aug. 1, 2025). (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)

MANILA – Relatives of the missing “sabungeros” (cockfight enthusiasts) on Friday filed murder and illegal detention charges against businessman Atong Ang and several others before the Department of Justice.

Among the families who filed the murder charges against Ang was Ryan Bautista, the brother of Michael Bautista.

“Siyempre, masayang masaya po kami dahil four years naming inantay ito (Of course, we are very happy because we waited four years for this),” Bautista told reporters.

In a press conference, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla assured due process for those implicated in the case.

“Fair naman tayo (We are fair). We do not condemn without listening. Ang mahalaga (What is important is) due process. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law,” Remulla said.

“Well, meron namang (there is a) witness who testifies to the fact that person (Ang) was involved in the commission of these crimes as the mastermind and as the head of a criminal organization, so basically, we take it from that.”

Ang has already denied the accusation made by Julie Patidongan, his former employee. He has filed countercharges against Patidongan.

Remulla, meanwhile, said that the whistleblower has already given them a lot of information.

“Nabigyan nya tayo ng impormasyon sa mga pangyayari at kung paano ginagawa ang nangyari at kung sino sino ang naroon, na may sala sa mga krimen na naganap laban sa mga sabungerong nawawala (We were given information how it was undertaken and who were involved in the crime against the missing sabungeros),” he said.

“Mahalaga dito ay magkaroon ng paglilitis pagdating ng panahon para naman magkaroon ng katahimikan ang isipan nating lahat na mga Pilipino (What is important is there should be a trial in the future so that Filipinos will have peace of mind).”

Remulla also said the murder charge includes a number of John and Jane Does, and actress Gretchen Barretto may be considered a person of interest.