(UPDATE) AFTER nearly four years of silence and stalled investigations, the families of missing sabungeros, or cockfighting enthusiasts, have filed criminal complaints at the Department of Justice (DOJ) for murder and serious illegal detention against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, members of the so-called Alpha Group and several police officers for alleged involvement in the disappearances.
“This is finally our chance — we’ve waited too long,” said Ryan Bautista, brother of missing sabungero Michael Bautista. “We’re filing complaints of murder and serious illegal detention against Atong Ang and his group.”
More than 30 families have joined the complaints, according to Charlene Lasco, sister of victim Ricardo Lasco.
“We’ve long suspected Mr. Atong Ang,” she told reporters. “We are also filing complaints against Eric dela Rosa, Rjay Mejia and several police officers. We are asking the DOJ to thoroughly investigate and issue arrest warrants as soon as possible.”
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed Friday that witnesses have identified Ang as the mastermind behind what he called a “deeply embedded” criminal network responsible for the abductions and presumed killings of over 30 online cockfight employees from late 2021 to early 2022.
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“There are witnesses who testified that [Ang] was the mastermind — the head of a criminal organization,” Remulla said. “They’ve provided critical details about how the crimes were carried out and who was involved.”
He said Ang’s subordinates managed the operational aspects of the kidnappings. The syndicate, he added, may have connections within law enforcement and local government units.
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The DOJ has tapped multiple agencies to assist in the investigation, including the Philippine Coast Guard, which has launched dive operations in inland waters where the bodies of the missing sabungeros were dumped.
“We are exploring all scientific and technical avenues — even sending forensic materials abroad,” Remulla said, noting that the DOJ is coordinating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other international partners for advanced forensic analysis.
He also revealed that the Philippines is working to finalize extradition agreements with Australia and the United Arab Emirates in anticipation of arrests involving suspects who may have fled overseas.
At least three to four individuals linked to the “Alpha Group” are under close scrutiny. Asked about the possible involvement of high-ranking police officials, Remulla declined to name names but hinted at deeper institutional ties.
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Remulla stressed that due process would be upheld. “No one shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process,” he said. “We are up against the best lawyers money can buy, but the legal process must prevail.”
He assured the public that the case would not be buried under political influence.
“We cannot allow money or power to determine who lives and who disappears,” Remulla said. “This case will not be silenced. We will bring the truth to light.”
Recognizing the emotional toll on victims’ families, Remulla urged them not to lose hope.
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“We know it’s hard. But please don’t be discouraged. We will support the families and uncover the truth,” he said. “Are we slaves to money? As a responsible society, we must hold accountable those who commit such heinous crimes — no matter how powerful they are.”
Remulla said more than 30 individuals may be implicated in the disappearances as investigators continue to sift through information provided by a key witness, Julie “Dondon” Patidongan.
“So far, so good. Very reliable,” Remulla said of Patidongan.
Asked whether Patidongan wants to become a state witness, Remulla declined to confirm. “That’s between us for now,” he said. “We have to put everything within the context of the prosecution service.”
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Patidongan has not yet been placed under the Witness Protection Program, but “the door is always open,” Remulla said.
Search operations have been temporarily suspended due to bad weather, but Remulla said the investigation spans a wide timeline and scope, including potential links between illegal online sabong operations and the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.
“There’s a universe of facts we’re reviewing,” he said. “We want to prepare cases that can really withstand any test.”
The DOJ called on relatives of the missing individuals to submit DNA samples to help authorities identify recovered remains.
