Atong Ang submits counter-affidavit on missing sabungeros

Businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang personally filed his counter-affidavit with the Department of Justice (DoJ) Friday, pushing back against seven criminal complaints linking him to the disappearance of several sabungeros since 2021.

Ang’s legal counsel, Atty. Gabriel Villareal, confirmed the submission during the preliminary investigation. Ang faces complaints for kidnapping with serious illegal detention and multiple murder, among other charges, in connection with the disappearance of 34 sabungeros in seven separate incidents between 2021 and 2022.

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

Villareal stressed that while Ang would welcome a dismissal, a quick resolution would still leave “doubt and suspicion in people’s minds about who is truly responsible for the missing cockfighting enthusiasts and where they truly are.” He insisted on the need for a “fair, impartial” case buildup.

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

The list of more than 60 respondents in the case also includes actress Gretchen Barretto and former National Capital Region Police Office chief retired Police General Jonnel Estomo. Barretto has also filed her counter-affidavit, with her lawyer calling the allegations against her “unsubstantiated.”

The DoJ panel of prosecutors will evaluate Ang’s affidavit alongside other evidence before determining whether the cases should proceed to trial.