Atong Ang, Gretchen Barretto possible suspects in missing ‘sabungeros’ case - DOJ
Metro Manila, Philippines - Businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto will be considered as suspects in the case of at least 30 missing cockfight enthusiasts or “sabungero,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Thursday, July 3.
Remulla said the two will be listed as suspects after they were linked to the case by suspect-turned-witness Julie Patidongan.
“I-e-evaluate ‘yan ng fiscals, ng ating [It will be evaluated by our] group of fiscals who will be assigned to evaluate all the evidence so that we will know what cases to file properly,” the justice chief told reporters.
Remulla said the case is a major challenge because of the alleged involvement of influential people, but added that authorities have “good” leads.
“Mabigat lang talaga ‘tong laban dito kasi nga sobrang daming pera at sobrang dami ng koneksyon. We are here holding the faith,” he said.
[Translation: This is a heavy fight because of money and connection.]
“There are 20 people in the alpha list. ‘Yung tinatawag na [The] alpha list, ‘yun ‘yung [that is the] alpha group ng [of] e-sabong,” Remulla noted.
Remulla cited some hurdles in the probe such as the rainy weather which affects diving activities in Taal Lake in Batangas where, Patidongan said, the remains of the victims were dumped.
State witness
Meanwhile, Ang’s camp said Patidongan cannot be considered a state witness because he is facing three criminal cases.
“Credible ba itong whistleblower na ito?” Ang’s lawyer Lorna Kapunan asked in a press conference.
[Translation: Is this whistleblower credible?]
“Ngayon, ang lead lang ng Secretary of Justice, at ng police authorities ay isang statement na hindi naman totoo,” she said.
[Translation: The Secretary of Justice and the police’s lead is a statement that is false.]
READ: Atong Ang files raps vs suspect-witness, ex-staff over missing sabungeros claims
But Remulla believed otherwise.
“‘Yung mga ganyang testimony na kailangang-kailangan, usually ‘yan ang dini-discharge as state witnesses,” he said.
[Translation: Those necessary testimonies usually are discharged as state witnesses.]
The 34 “sabungero,” who allegedly cheated in the games, went missing without trace from 2021 to 2022 after attending matches in Manila, Laguna, Batangas, and Bulacan.
The National Police Commission is looking into the supposed involvement of cops in the disappearances.
