Trader Charlie “Atong” Ang filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday his counter-affidavit in connection with the seven complaints lodged against him over the disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros, dating back to 2021.

Ang’s legal counsel, Gabriel Villareal, confirmed that his client personally submitted the document during the preliminary investigation.

In his counter-affidavit, Ang urged prosecutors to refer the case back to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for what he described as a “proper and impartial investigation.”

The businessman has consistently denied any involvement in the string of disappearances that have remained unresolved for nearly four years and have drawn national attention due to alleged police links and possible illegal e-sabong operations.

Ang’s affidavit will be evaluated by the DOJ panel of prosecutors alongside other evidence submitted by complainants before determining whether the cases should proceed to trial.