Families of missing cockfighting workers file murder complaint vs. Atong Ang

The complaint includes allegations of multiple murder, serious illegal detention, enforced disappearance, direct bribery, and obstruction of justice. It is supported by sworn affidavits from whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan and his brothers, who claimed to have worked under Ang’s operations and said they were involved in disposing of victims’ bodies.

Patidongan further alleged that the actual number of victims may reach 100, although only 34 cases have been officially documented. He claimed the victims’ bodies were dumped in Taal Lake, and that he and his brothers were later instructed to flee to Cambodia in 2022 to avoid investigation.

Ang camp responds

In media statements, Ang’s lawyer, Atty. Gabriel Villareal, maintained his client’s innocence, dismissing the complaint as baseless and politically motivated. He described whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” and called the testimony “flawed, self-serving, and unsubstantiated.”

“We maintain my client’s innocence. He is ready to face the complaint filed against him and confident that due process will vindicate him.”

Ang’s team also alleged that Patidongan attempted to extort ₱300 million in exchange for withdrawing the allegations—an offer Ang reportedly declined.

Counter-charges filed

On July 3, 2025, Atong Ang filed counter-complaints with the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office against whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan and a former aide, Alan “Brown” Bantiles, accusing them of conspiracy to commit attempted robbery with violence, grave threats, grave coercion, slander, and extortion. These counter-charges were lodged several weeks prior to the DOJ complaint and remain under separate prosecutorial review.

DOJ status and official statement

As of press time, the Department of Justice has not issued subpoenas, and the complaint remains under review by a panel of prosecutors. In a media interview, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that the affidavits submitted by whistleblowers are included in the case file. He stated that Charlie “Atong” Ang and Gretchen Barrettoare are among those being evaluated as possible respondents, but clarified that the DOJ would act based on evidence and not on speculation. Remulla emphasized that the department is following due process and said any legal action must proceed “on the merits.”

Broader implications

The case has reignited public attention on one of the Philippines’ most troubling unresolved cases. The disappearance of 34 cockfighting workers between April 2021 and January 2022 led to Senate hearings and prompted then-President Rodrigo Duterte to impose a nationwide ban on online cockfighting (e-sabong) in May 2022.

While internal investigations led to the relief or reassignment of some police officers, no criminal convictions have been made to date.

Family members who filed the complaint expressed determination to pursue the case, saying they hope the legal process will finally bring accountability.

If the DOJ finds probable cause, the case could advance to trial, placing a national spotlight on one of the most closely watched criminal proceedings in recent Philippine history.