Witness tags Ang as crime ring leader in e-sabong case

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Friday that a witness has come forward identifying businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang as the “head of a criminal organization” responsible for the disappearances of over 30 e-sabong workers from late 2021 to early 2022.

“There are already witnesses who testified that [Ang] was the mastermind — basically the head of the criminal organization,” Remulla said in a briefing. “They’ve provided vital information about how the crimes were carried out and who was involved.”

He described the group as a “deeply embedded” syndicate, with links possibly reaching into law enforcement and local government units.

The DOJ chief also noted that suspects referred to as “Toto” and “Dongdong” — reportedly Ang’s subordinates — are being investigated for operational roles in the abductions.

The Department of Justice has enlisted the help of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which has conducted dive operations in freshwater areas suspected to be dump sites for the victims’ bodies. Advanced forensic examinations — potentially with international assistance — are also underway.

“We are exploring all technical and scientific avenues, even if we have to send forensic material abroad,” Remulla said.

He added that the department is coordinating with the FBI and other foreign agencies for forensic support, and is working on extradition agreements in time for the president’s upcoming state visit to Australia.

Remulla revealed that at least three to four persons from the alleged “Alpha Group” are now under close scrutiny. When asked about the possible involvement of high-ranking police officials, he said the DOJ is gathering names and building cases, but declined to confirm specific identities.

“We are up against the best lawyers money can buy,” Remulla said. “But our legal system must prevail. No one is above the law. We won’t stop until we get justice.”

For families like those of Michael Bautista and Ricardo Lasco, the legal action is only the beginning.

On the other hand, Charlene Lasco said, “We’ve waited too long. What we want now is justice.” Adding, “We are trusting the DOJ to act quickly and decisively.”

Remulla assured the public that the government is committed to pursuing the case — no matter how high it reaches.

“We cannot allow money or influence to determine who lives and who disappears,” he said. “This case will not be buried. We will bring the truth to light.”

After four years of waiting, the families of the missing sabungeros have begun filing murder and serious illegal detention charges against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, members of the so-called “Alpha Group,” and several police officers allegedly involved in the disappearances.

Ryan Bautista, brother of missing sabungero Michael Bautista, said, “We’re very, very happy. This is finally our chance — we’ve waited a long time, four years.”

“We’re filing charges of murder and serious illegal detention against Atong Ang and his group,” he told reporters.

More than 30 families have joined the complaints, according to Charlene Lasco, sister of missing victim Ricardo Lasco.

“We’ve long suspected Mr. Atong Ang. We’re also charging Eric dela Rosa, Rjay Mejia, and some police officers,” she said.

“We are asking the DOJ to thoroughly investigate this case and establish probable cause so that arrest warrants can be issued as soon as possible.”

The complaints were filed just as the Department of Justice confirmed it had received testimony from a key witness identifying Ang as the alleged mastermind behind the coordinated abductions.