Preliminary investigation starts in missing ‘sabungeros’ case

By Benjamin Pulta, Philippine News Agency

PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION. Actress Gretchen Barretto waives shortly after filing her counter-affidavit at the Department of Justice in Manila on Thursday (Sept. 18, 2025). The DOJ has started its preliminary investigation into the case of the missing “sabungeros.” (PNA photo by Ben Pulta)

MANILA – The Department of Justice on Thursday conducted its first hearing of the preliminary investigation into the missing “sabungeros” (cockfight enthusiasts) case, with gaming tycoon Atong Ang, one of the figures embroiled in the controversy, failing to personally attend the proceedings.

Ang was represented in the proceedings by his counsel Gabriel VIllareal, who said they were not able to file a counter-affidavit, having received the subpoena only a few days ago.

“There are also missing parts of the subpoena, such as the USB drive mentioned in it,” he said.

One of the 60 individuals named in the charge sheet, actress Gretchen Barretto, submitted her counter-affidavit and personally appeared before the prosecution panel.

Her lawyer called the allegations of illegal and multiple murder “unsubstantiated.”

Barreto told reporters that she “trusts” the process will clear her of any wrongdoing.

Likewise present during the proceedings were retired police Lt. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, whom whistleblower Julie Patidongan implicated in the abduction and murder of the missing men.

Meanwhile, DOJ Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Charlie Guhit said the police plan to file additional evidence at the next scheduled hearing on Sept. 29.