Businessman Atong Ang and former actress Gretchen Barretto are now being considered suspects in connection with the case of the missing cockfighting enthusiasts (sabungeros), according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). This comes after an exclusive revelation made yesterday by alias “Totoy,” also known as Julie Dondon Patidongan. Because of this, the DOJ is preparing to file formal complaints against them.

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has also drawn up a list of police officers implicated in the case by Patidongan. Chino Gaston reports.

Following their implication in the case of the missing sabungeros, Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla stated that businessman Atong Ang and former actress Gretchen Barretto will now be included as suspects.

“They will be included because they were named. So we will have to include them as suspects,” said Remulla.

When asked when charges would be filed against the two, Remulla responded, “Sooner than later, it will happen.” He added, “It will be evaluated by our group of prosecutors who will review all the evidence so we can file the proper charges.”

Since becoming Secretary of the DOJ, Remulla has acknowledged the case of the missing sabungeros as a major challenge, especially with powerful figures allegedly involved.

“This is a heavy fight because there’s a lot of money and influence involved. But we are holding onto our faith, because we believe that the only ally we have here is the Filipino people.”

Yesterday, whistleblower Julie Dondon Patidongan named Ang and two others as alleged masterminds behind the disappearance of the sabungeros. Patidongan himself is among those charged in connection to the case involving 34 cockfighting players who mysteriously vanished after participating in events at arenas owned by Ang.

Ang’s lawyer, Atty. Kapunan, earlier denied his client’s involvement in the disappearances. According to Kapunan, Ang is neither a criminal nor a mastermind. He is reportedly willing to cooperate in the investigation to help identify the real perpetrators and bring closure to the victims’ families.

Patidongan also implicated Gretchen Barretto in the case. When asked for a reaction, Barretto told GMA Integrated News that she would respond once she and her camp are ready.

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) also revealed that after conducting its own investigation, it now has a list of police officers linked to the case through Patidongan’s testimony. These officers will reportedly be summoned to face administrative investigations.

“We are not blind. We know where the investigation is going. Our investigations are targeted.” When asked if that meant they already had names, a Napolcom official replied, “I will not lie to you. We know the names. However, I cannot disclose them to you as of now.”

Let me ask you this, Totoy — when was the last time you spoke with Atong Ang?

The last time I spoke to him was when he was already begging me. He texted me — I think that was around 7 days ago. He sent me a message saying we should meet at a hotel, that we should settle things already, and that he was struggling with his situation.

In fact, during one of our last conversations about 7 days ago, I still have the message where he was begging — just as I’m saying now. He can’t deny it because I have it. If you want, I can read it to you so you’ll have an idea.

That’s okay — just as long as there’s no… no problem, go ahead, Totoy.

Alright, so you all know — he tried to have me killed for 50 million pesos. That’s why I had the courage to speak out like this. I told myself, if I’m going to be killed anyway, and the families of the missing sabungeros are going to be denied justice — at least I should speak the truth.