Atong Ang submits counter-affidavit, seeks fair probe in missing sabungeros case

• Businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang filed his counter-affidavit before the DOJ on charges over the missing sabungeros
• Ang’s camp requested the case be returned to the PNP-CIDG for a fair and thorough investigation
• Actress Gretchen Barretto and ex-NCRPO chief Jonnel Estomo are also among more than 60 respondents
• Ang’s lawyer claimed strong evidence was submitted against whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan

Businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang on Friday filed his counter-affidavit with the Department of Justice (DOJ) in response to the murder complaint linking him and several others to the disappearance of 34 sabungeros from 2021 to 2022.

According to his lawyer, Atty. Gabriel Villareal, Ang has requested that the case be referred back to the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) for a “proper case-build up” and a “fair, impartial” investigation.

“Kasi po sabi ko, kung madi-dismiss lang basta ‘yung kaso sa kahilingan ni Mr. Ang, masaya siya doon, tama ‘yun sa kanya,” Villareal said in an ambush interview.

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“Kaya lang, magkakaroon pa din ng duda at suspetsa sa isip ng tao kung sino ba talaga ang may kagagawan ng missing sabungero at nasaan ba ‘yung missing sabungeros,” he added.

The complaint covers charges of kidnapping with serious illegal detention and multiple murder.

Among the more than 60 respondents are actress Gretchen Barretto and retired Police General Jonnel Estomo, former chief of the National Capital Region Police Office.

Barretto has also submitted her counter-affidavit, with her lawyer describing the allegations against her as “unsubstantiated.”

Villareal, meanwhile, said USBs submitted earlier to the DOJ contained strong evidence against whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, who had implicated Ang and Barretto in the case.

“Which shows Dondon, undeniably… bitbit po niya nakaposas ‘yung isang missing sabungero na nakunan ng media,” he said.

The next preliminary investigation hearing is set for November 3.

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In other news, a lawyer was arrested in Quezon City for allegedly duping victims through fake investment offers. She reportedly took ₱140,000 from a couple, promising weekly profits of ₱5,600. Police said she had previously been jailed for a similar case but went into hiding after posting bail. Authorities urge other victims to file complaints to elevate the case to syndicated estafa.

Still in other news, a classroom ceiling at Lapu-Lapu Elementary School in Davao City collapsed during class on October 7, 2025. Approximately 40 Grade 4 students sustained minor injuries but were safely evacuated. The quick execution of the 'duck, cover, and hold' drill by the teacher helped prevent serious harm. School authorities have reported the incident to DepEd and DPWH, and the school has shifted to a blended learning setup.

Source: KAMI.com.gh