Examination Intensifies in Philippines ‘missing Sabungeros‘ Case
The Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) is pursuing charges against several individuals, including businessman and alleged e-sabong (online cockfighting) operator Atio Ang, in connection with the disappearances of at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts between April 2021 and January 2022. The individuals were last seen in Laguna, Manila, Batangas, and Bulacan, with reports indicating some were forcibly taken by armed men.Ang’s lawyer, gabriel Villareal, stated Wednesday that the subpoenas provide a “welcome chance” to address accusations previously described as “innuendo and unsubstantiated claims.” Villareal affirmed Ang’s willingness to face consequences if found guilty, while asserting that the true perpetrators will ultimately be identified. He stated, “The time for reckoning has come…the truth about the one truly responsible for the disappearances…will come out.”
The DOJ found probable cause to pursue kidnapping and illegal detention charges in at least one case, with other complaints still under review. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has emphasized the government’s serious commitment to the investigation, a sentiment echoed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his recent State of the Nation Address. The investigation was initially stalled, prompting then-justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra to order the National Bureau of Investigation to consolidate cases in march 2022.
Key to the investigation are allegations made by whistleblowers. Former aide Julie “Dondon” patidongan claims Ang masterminded the abductions and ordered the killings of over 100 men connected to online cockfighting. Another whistleblower, Alan “Brown” bantiles, has made similar accusations. Both Patidongan and Bantiles have been countersued by Ang.
Recent developments include the recovery of additional human remains from Taal Lake in Batangas.The Philippine Coast Guard retrieved skeletons which have been confirmed as human and are undergoing DNA testing, alongside hundreds of bone fragments and sacks of suspected remains recovered in recent weeks.International laboratories are assisting with the analysis.Patidongan has guided the search in Taal Lake, alleging that abducted enthusiasts were killed and disposed of in the lake by a syndicate linked to e-sabong operations and potentially rogue police officers. In July, divers recovered a skull, jawbone, and clothing, considered by investigators to be the most notable evidence discovered to date.
Authorities have noted the challenging conditions of the search, citing poor visibility, extreme temperatures, and depths reaching nearly 90 feet. Despite these difficulties, Remulla has described the discoveries as a breakthrough, indicating the investigation is “moving in the right direction.”
