NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Subpoenas Issued To Atong Ang, 59 Others In Missing Sabungeros Case
FILE
Quezon City, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued subpoenas to business tycoon Atong Ang and 59 other individuals in connection with the preliminary investigation into the case of the missing cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros.
The move marks a crucial development in the ongoing investigation, with the DOJ set to conduct its preliminary probe this month. According to DOJ spokesperson, Asec. Mico Clavano, the National Prosecution Service is working to complete the serving of subpoenas to all respondents named in the complaint.
In a statement, Atong Ang's legal counsel and spokesperson, Atty. Gabriel Villareal, confirmed the DOJ's issuance of the subpoena. He stated, "We meet with guarded optimism the news regarding the formal commencement of the preliminary investigation into the case of the so-called 'missing sabungeros.'"
Villareal further welcomed the opportunity to "respond frontally" to what he described as unsubstantiated claims by a certain Julie "Dondon" Patidongan, who, according to Villareal, appears to have had motive to and is the one responsible for the disappearances. He accused Patidongan of concocting a story to blame superiors and benefactors to avoid imprisonment.
In a direct challenge, Villareal called on Patidongan to come out from behind the skirts of Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and prove his accusations with evidence. He added, "The time for reckoning has come. In time, the truth about the one truly responsible for the disappearances of the 'missing sabungeros' will come out.”
Meanwhile, Atty. Alma Mallonga, who represents Gretchen Barretto, said they will release a statement "in due time" regarding the matter.
The move marks a crucial development in the ongoing investigation, with the DOJ set to conduct its preliminary probe this month. According to DOJ spokesperson, Asec. Mico Clavano, the National Prosecution Service is working to complete the serving of subpoenas to all respondents named in the complaint.
In a statement, Atong Ang's legal counsel and spokesperson, Atty. Gabriel Villareal, confirmed the DOJ's issuance of the subpoena. He stated, "We meet with guarded optimism the news regarding the formal commencement of the preliminary investigation into the case of the so-called 'missing sabungeros.'"
Villareal further welcomed the opportunity to "respond frontally" to what he described as unsubstantiated claims by a certain Julie "Dondon" Patidongan, who, according to Villareal, appears to have had motive to and is the one responsible for the disappearances. He accused Patidongan of concocting a story to blame superiors and benefactors to avoid imprisonment.
In a direct challenge, Villareal called on Patidongan to come out from behind the skirts of Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and prove his accusations with evidence. He added, "The time for reckoning has come. In time, the truth about the one truly responsible for the disappearances of the 'missing sabungeros' will come out.”
Meanwhile, Atty. Alma Mallonga, who represents Gretchen Barretto, said they will release a statement "in due time" regarding the matter.
Sep 10, 2025
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