Patidongan to file counter charges vs Atong Ang on missing sabungeros case

Whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as “Totoy,” announced Saturday that he will be filing countercharges against businessman Atong Ang, whom he accuses of being the mastermind behind the disappearance of several sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts).

“On Monday, I will respond to [the complaints] of Mr. Atong Ang and then, I will file a case against him,” Patidongan said in a mix of English and Filipino during a radio interview on Super Radyo dzBB.

When asked what specific charges he intends to file, Patidongan replied, “I will return the charges he filed against me.”

Ang earlier accused Patidongan of attempting to extort P300 million from him in exchange for not implicating him in the high-profile case. The complaints were filed on 3 July.

The case of the missing sabungeros has drawn national attention, with authorities still searching for the victims and investigating the alleged involvement of law enforcement officers and other individuals.

According to Ang, Patidongan had been managing farms for the group prior to being implicated in the high-profile disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts.

Patidongan is currently facing charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention, along with five other Manila Arena security personnel, in connection with the January 2022 abduction of five sabungeros and their driver.

In a televised interview with GMA News last June, Patidongan claimed that Ang had ordered the execution of sabungeros allegedly caught cheating during online matches.

Ang has strongly denied the accusations, calling them “entirely false and without basis,” and said the claims amount to “trial by publicity” that is causing him irreparable harm.