Businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang has urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to return the investigation into the missing sabungero (cockfighting enthusiasts) case to the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).

Ang appeared at the DOJ on Friday to submit his sworn counter-affidavit, denying all allegations made against him by self-proclaimed whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan.

In his affidavit, filed through counsel Atty. Gabriel Villarreal, Ang maintained that the CIDG should handle the case to ensure a fair and impartial probe. Villarreal told the Daily Tribune that Ang is innocent of the accusations and claimed that Patidongan is the real mastermind behind the crime.

“Mr. Ang’s prayer, what he is asking the panel for, is to return the entire case to the CIDG for proper impartial investigation,” Villarreal said. “Investigative work ito, di ito prosecutorial work. Trabaho ito ng pulis. What we are talking here is an investigation function. It’s a police function, which is properly discharged by the police. Yung sa (DOJ) prosecution, they have to prosecute a ‘build up case’, ang tinatawag nating case build up. Kaya ang hinihingi namin is a proper case build up and proper investigation,” he added.

Villarreal also noted that Ang voluntarily appeared before the DOJ not only to comply with legal procedures but also to dispel “malicious rumors” that he had already fled the country.