Murder charges filed vs Atong Ang, others in missing sabungeros case

Murder and serious illegal detention complaints have been formally filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and several others allegedly behind the mysterious disappearance of dozens of online cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros.

The complaints, filed by families of the missing individuals, mark a significant breakthrough in the long-running investigation into the high-profile disappearances that have gripped the nation since 2021. Also named in the complaint are individuals reportedly connected to the PITMASTER operations, who are now being accused of orchestrating a criminal conspiracy to detain and kill several sabungeros.

The filing came just as a leaked list — allegedly drawn from the affidavit of whistleblower Julie Patidongan, alias “Totoy” — began circulating on social media. The document identifies a so-called “Alpha Group,” described as PITMASTER’s innermost circle that allegedly dictated key decisions within the organization, including the fates of the missing sabungeros.

Among those named in the list are Ang, Senator Erwin Tulfo, and LtGen. Jonnel Estomo.