Atong Ang, Gretchen Barretto to be investigated over alleged involvement in ‘missing sabungeros’ case

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Business tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang and actress-socialite Gretchen Barretto will be included in the ongoing investigation of missing sabungeros, following claims of a whistleblower linking them to the incident.

On Thursday, July 3, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that both Ang and Barretto are now under investigation after being named by case witness Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as “Totoy,” in connection with the high-profile case.

Earlier on the same day, Ang personally filed the complaints before the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office against Patidongan and former employee Alan Batiles, over alleged extortion and threats to falsely link him and Barretto to the case.

Ang, accompanied by his lawyer Lorna Kapunan, accused the two of trying to extort P300 million from him between February and June 2025, under threat of implicating him in kidnapping and murder.

The charges filed include: conspiracy to commit attempted robbery with violence or intimidation, grave threats, grave coercion, grave slander, incriminating innocent persons.

At a press conference, Ang denounced Patidongan’s accusations, saying, “Mag-isip ka, Don. ‘Wag ka na magsinungaling nang magsinungaling. Tinuring kitang parang anak ko. ‘Di ko alam na ganyan ka kasama. Papatayin mo pa ako, kikidnapin mo pa ako.”

He added, “Ganun lang kasimple. Kailangan ko lang proteksyunan ang sarili ko at ang grupo namin. Kawawa naman masyado.”

A day before Ang sought legal actions, Patidongan, who reportedly served as the head of the security agency that handles Ang’s farms and cockpit arenas, alleged that Ang, alongside Eric dela Rosa and Celso Salazar were the “masterminds” in the disappearances, in an exclusive interview with GMA News.

“Si Mr. Eric dela Rosa, siya ang nagmo-monitor ng mga palabas. Kapag alam niyang tiyope, pinapaalam niya kay Mr. Atong Ang,” Patidongan told the news outlet.

He further alleged that Ang, after consulting with Salazar, ordered the killing of cockfighters suspected of cheating. “Siya ang pinaka-mastermind at siya ang nag-uutos na iligpit ang mga ‘yan,” he said.

Patidongan also identified the previously unnamed “actress” he mentioned in earlier interviews as Gretchen Barretto, claiming she was aware of Ang’s alleged involvement due to their close association.

“100% na may kinalaman siya at gawa ng lagi silang magkasama ni Sir Atong Ang, ang panawagan ko lang sa kanya, para naman medyo maano s’ya, makipagtulungan nalang s’ya sa’kin.”

As of writing, Barretto has yet to respond to the allegations or confirm her involvement in the case.

Patricia Dela Roca
Patricia Dela Roca
Patricia Dela Roca is a content producer with nerdy tendencies. She tends to lose herself in writing, films, fictional novels, video games, and in her Kpop bias' eyes.

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