'Missing Sabungeros' families file murder charges against Atong Ang and Gretchen Barretto

• Families of missing cockfighting bettors filed a murder complaint at the DOJ against businessman Atong Ang, whom a whistleblower pointed to as the mastermind
• Actress Gretchen Barretto and retired police general Jonnel Estomo were also named among over 60 people in the complaint
• Whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, now turning state witness, claims Ang ordered the killings of bettors suspected of cheating
• Justice Secretary Remulla confirmed a witness saw the killing of 10 victims and claimed bodies were dumped in Taal Lake

Relatives of the missing cockfighting bettors filed a murder case at the Department of Justice against businessman Atong Ang, who was accused by whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan of being the mastermind.

Included in the complaint are over 60 names, including actress Gretchen Barretto and retired police general Jonnel Estomo. GMA News is still trying to get statements from those accused.

Patidongan, who is also an accused in the case, now wants to be a witness. He earlier claimed Ang ordered the abduction and killing of around 100 bettors who were suspected of cheating.

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He said the bodies were thrown into Taal Lake.

It can be recalled that Ang denied the claims, saying Patidongan only accused him after he refused to give him money. Barretto and Estomo also denied any involvement.

Ryan Bautista, brother of one of the missing men, said they filed charges of serious illegal detention and multiple murder.

Charlene Lasco, another sibling of a victim, said they had long suspected Ang.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that a witness identified Ang as the leader of the group behind the disappearances.

He said Patidongan and his two siblings gave sworn statements. One of them, Elakim, is believed to have witnessed the killing of 10 victims.

Remulla described Ang as the "main player" in the e-sabong business and said the police involved acted as hired killers.

He stressed the need for a proper trial but admitted it’s difficult to prove crimes linked to big criminal groups.

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Though Remulla didn’t confirm if Barretto is a respondent, she may be considered a person of interest.

DOJ officials assured the public that due process would be followed.

Merlyn Gomez, mother of one missing bettor, expressed relief that answers are finally coming out.

She said she’s now the only one seeking justice after her son’s partner agreed to a settlement.

Watch the report in the video below:

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In a previous report by KAMI, a family of three was mercilessly shot and killed inside their store in Barangay Mallorca, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija. Caught by CCTV, three men entered their store, closed the roll-up door, and shot the entire family to death. Before fleeing, one of the suspects even grabbed a bag and a mobile phone from the victim. In a report by Gary De Leon of TV 5's 'Frontline Pilipinas,' the family started getting threats after lending P1-M to one of the residents of their barangay; allegedly using the money for business.

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In another viral local report, a 51-year-old public school teacher in Las Piñas City was stabbed multiple times by her own husband. According to the report of EJ Gomez in 'Unang Balita,' the 38-year-old suspect committed the crime inside the school's faculty room. Police authorities said the school has a security guard, but, being a familiar face in the school, the suspect managed to easily get in and out of the school. The suspect said he was there to talk to his wife and settle their misunderstanding, but unfortunately, it led to a big arguement.

Source: KAMI.com.gh