Atong Ang Mastermind, Gretchen Barretto Involved In Missing Sabungeros Case?

Whistleblower involves Atong Ang and Gretchen Barretto in the case of these missing people.

The mystery surrounding the missing sabungeros (cockfight bettors and handlers) has taken a jaw-dropping turn — and now, two of the most prominent names in Philippine entertainment and business have been pulled into the spotlight.

A whistleblower has come forward with explosive claims pointing to businessman Atong Ang as the alleged mastermind behind the disappearances, and to the shock of many, actress and socialite Gretchen Barretto is also being implicated as a possible accessory or silent operator.

💣 The Whistleblower Speaks: “They Know More Than They’re Saying”

In a confidential interview leaked to investigative journalists, an unnamed insider — allegedly a former associate of Ang’s operations — claimed that the disappearances of over 30 sabungeros, which began in early 2022, were “not random, but orchestrated.”

“Everything was coordinated. From the locations to the timing — it was like clockwork,” the source said.
“And Atong Ang was at the center of it. Nothing happened without his knowledge. Gretchen? She was closer to the operation than people think.”

The source claims that the sabungeros were connected to e-sabong (online cockfighting) operations, and that some of them had “discovered irregularities” in winnings, payouts, or were “asking too many questions.”

🧨 Missing, Silenced, Erased?

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have long struggled to solve the mysterious disappearances of these sabungeros, many of whom vanished without a trace — no bodies, no ransom, no known motive.

Families have waited for justice, many of them begging for action as months turned into years.

But now, with celebrity names being pulled into the scandal, pressure is mounting on law enforcement to go deeper than ever before.

“If these allegations are true, then this is more than just gambling. This is organized crime operating at the highest levels — with protection,” said a retired police colonel familiar with the case.

👀 Gretchen Barretto: Silent No More?

While Gretchen Barretto has long been known for her controversial public persona, political ties, and luxurious lifestyle, her name has never been directly associated with criminal conspiracies — until now.

The whistleblower alleges that Barretto acted as a “silent enabler” — providing influence, cover, and distraction from Ang’s underground operations. The source stopped short of naming her as a planner but claimed “she was in the room when it mattered.”

“She knew things. Whether she acted on them or not — that’s for investigators to find out.”

So far, Barretto has not issued any public comment, nor has Atong Ang, who has also remained silent despite mounting online pressure and calls for a formal Senate inquiry.

📣 Public Reactions: Explosive and Divided

The Filipino public is now erupting with outrage and disbelief. Online platforms are buzzing with theories, calls for justice, and anger at the idea that wealth and influence may have protected those involved.

Trending hashtags include:

#JusticeForSabungeros

#AtongAngExposed

#GretchenInTheShadows

#E-sabongTruthNow

“How many families are crying tonight while the rich live freely?” wrote one netizen.
“Gretchen and Atong need to speak. Silence is guilt.”

💬 Government Response: What Comes Next?

Senator Raffy Tulfo, one of the most vocal advocates for justice in the sabungero case, has reportedly called for an emergency hearing to examine the new allegations. The Department of Justice is also expected to reopen portions of the investigation, now under intense public scrutiny.

“If these names are being mentioned, we owe it to the victims’ families to follow the trail — no matter how powerful the people involved,” Tulfo said in a press briefing.

🧩 A Larger Puzzle?

Analysts warn that the sabungero case may be just one piece of a much larger criminal network, possibly involving illegal gambling, money laundering, and political protection.

“This could be the tip of the iceberg. The question is — will anyone have the courage to dive deeper?” said a veteran crime reporter.

📝 Final Thoughts: Fame, Fortune… and Fear

As the families of the missing sabungeros continue to search for answers, this latest twist only deepens the pain — but perhaps also opens the door to long-awaited accountability.

Whether Atong Ang and Gretchen Barretto are innocent bystanders or central figures in a sprawling operation remains to be seen. But one thing is clear:

The silence is breaking. And the truth may finally come out.

Atong Ang and Gretchen Barretto are tagged in the case of missing sabungeros by a whistleblower, who is also one of the accused.

Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, one of the accused in the case of missing sabungeros, revealed more details about the mysterious disappearances. The cockfighting enthusiasts who went missing four years ago were still not found, and recently, the whistleblower who stepped forward made some claims in the affidavit he is yet to submit.

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said that technical divers are eyed to look for them as the whistleblower revealed that they were accordingly buried in Taal Lake, and that all of them were dead already.

A female celebrity was among the ‘alpha’ members in the case as per him and added that the detail she holds is a big key factor in solving the case. Recently, he dropped names of famous personalities tagged in the case.

In a report by GMA News’ “24 Oras” on Wednesday, July 2, Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, the whistleblower who identified himself as “Totoy” previously, surfaced with more revelations.

He identified individuals involved in the mysterious disappearances. He named Eric Dela Rosa and Celso Salazar as co-conspirators, saying, “Sila ang mastermind sa mga nawawalang sabungero.”

Dela Rosa was accordingly the one monitoring cockfights and reported alleged cheating to Ang. He named businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang as the mastermind behind the abductions.

“Si Mr. Atong Ang siya ang chairman ng pitmaster, siya ang pinaka mastermind at siya ang nag uutos na iligpit ang mga ‘yan,” Patidongan stated.

Patidongan identified Gretchen Barretto, and expressed, “One hundred percent na may kinalaman siya [Barreto] dahil lagi silang magkasama ni Mr. Atong Ang.”