‘Flawed,’ Ang camp says of Dondon’s claims

The lawyer of gambling figure Charlie “Atong” Ang welcomed the filing of murder and serious illegal detention charges against his client, describing it as an opportunity to refute accusations in the proper legal forum.

Atty. Gabriel L. Villareal, Ang’s legal counsel, said the charges allow the businessman and sports patron to confront what he called baseless allegations, especially those made by state witness Julie “Dondon” Patidongan.

“Patidongan’s testimony is flawed, self-serving, and unsubstantiated,” Villareal said on Sunday, while maintaining Ang’s innocence in the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts allegedly linked to online sabong.

The government had launched a search of Taal Lake where Patidongan said some of the victims’ remains were thrown.

However, while human bones were recovered from the lake, they could not be matched genetically through DNA testing with family members of the missing cockfight patrons. The help of Japanese experts had been sought to help with DNA identification.

He expressed sympathy for the victims’ families and commended their search for truth, but warned them against relying on Patidongan’s claims, which he suggested were timed and motivated by self-preservation.

Villareal said Patidongan had worked with Ang for more than 15 years, eventually becoming a close associate and trusted figure within the organization.

Behind the scenes, however, Patidongan allegedly operated a network engaged in illegal gambling, kidnapping, extortion and intimidation — without the knowledge of his superiors.

Leaked list

“When he was tagged in the disappearance of a cockfighting competitor in Manila last year, he concocted this incredible story to shift blame to his superiors and escape prosecution,” Villareal said.

Two of Patidongan’s relatives, who were recently arrested, will also testify against Ang, according to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

“It’s lamentable that the public is being misled by a manipulator who embedded himself among the very victims of the tragedy he orchestrated,” Villareal said.

As charges were formally filed with the Department of Justice against Ang and several unidentified individuals, a purported leaked list from Patidongan’s affidavit began circulating online, allegedly naming members of the so-called “Alpha Group.”

The group, reportedly the inner circle of PITMASTER operations, is accused of conspiring to abduct and kill sabungeros (cockfighters) who failed to meet financial demands.

The list includes Ang, Senator Erwin Tulfo, retired Lt. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, Mayor Bernie Tacoy of Matag-ob, Leyte; Mayor Vincent Arjay Mejia of Tiaong, Quezon; former NBI official Angelito Guerra; Pitmasters COO Eric dela Rosa; Pitmaster Foundation president Gerardo “Gerry” Ramos; Rep. Sonny Lagon of Blue Blade Gamefarm; Richard “Riper” Perez of Sta. Rosa Mega Cockpit; Arman Santos of Jade Resort Gamefarm; Edwin “AMO” Tose; John Capinpin of Barbaro Gamefarm; Joey delos Santos of JDLS Gamefarm; and Lorna Lee.

According to the leaked document, the group allegedly extorted millions from poor sabungeros. Those who failed or refused to pay were reportedly abducted and killed.