Accused Filipino Gambling Magnate Files Lawsuit Against Alleged Informant Over Cockfight Kidnapping Claims
In a shocking turn of events, a former security chief has accused prominent businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang and others of being behind the abductions and disappearances of over 30 cockfight enthusiasts, known as sabungeros, in the Philippines since 2021. Julie "Dondon" Patidongan, the whistleblower, has linked actress Gretchen Barretto and others to these alleged crimes.
Patidongan, a former game fowl farm manager responsible for operations in Batangas, Laguna, and Manila, has made these claims in a series of allegations. He alleges that a man named Eric Dela Rosa monitored cockfights for cheating and reported those caught to Ang, with discussions involving another individual named Celso Salazar.
According to Patidongan, Ang attempted to get him to sign an affidavit to recant his allegations in exchange for ₱300 million (about $5 million), an offer he refused. In response, Ang has vehemently denied all the allegations, calling them false and accusing Patidongan of attempting to extort ₱300 million from him and other board members.
Ang has filed a lawsuit against Patidongan for slander, threats, and conspiracy to commit robbery, seeking to clear his name and characterize the claims as baseless and damaging. Ang claims the accused have caused him "irreparable harm through false accusations."
The case has garnered significant attention in the Philippines, with the Department of Justice (DOJ) currently evaluating whether Patidongan could serve as a state witness. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has emphasized that no one is above the law and that justice must be served for the families of the missing sabungeros.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, e-sabong saw a surge in popularity, with the government temporarily regulating and taxing the industry. However, following the sabungeros' disappearances, then-President Rodrigo Duterte imposed an outright ban on e-sabong.
Cockfighting, with its deep cultural roots, has a history spanning several centuries in the Philippines. The practice, often symbolised by a distinctive tattoo of Saint Michael the Archangel, has become a symbol of camaraderie among those involved, with those who know about the sabungero abductions sharing this tattoo as a sign of their alliance, according to Patidongan.
As the investigation continues, the Philippines waits for justice to be served in this high-profile case. The Department of Justice's decision on whether to accept Patidongan as a state witness will be a crucial step in uncovering the truth behind these troubling allegations.
- The former security chief's allegations implicate businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang in the disappearances of over 30 sabungeros, a group of cockfight enthusiasts in the Philippines.
- Julie "Dondon" Patidongan, a former game fowl farm manager, has linked Ang to these alleged crimes, also involving actress Gretchen Barretto and others.
- The gambling trends in the Philippines, including e-sabong, have been under scrutiny, with the government imposing bans and regulations in response to concerns.
- The current General News, Crime, and Justice sections are filled with updates on the case, as Patidongan has accused Ang of attempting to bribe him to recant his allegations, a claim Ang denies.
- In the midst of this controversy, the Philippines continues to grapple with the cultural practice of cockfighting, a tradition that has become more digital during the pandemic, leading to concerns about crime and justice.
