After months of speculation, accusations, and mounting pressure from the public and authorities, Atong Ang — the man repeatedly linked to the mysterious disappearance of more than 30 cockfighting (sabungero) enthusiasts — has finally broken his silence.

In a press conference held earlier today, Ang delivered a public statement, addressing not only the allegations but also directly speaking to the grieving families of the missing men.

“Ito na ang panahon para magsalita,” Ang said. “Hindi ako perpekto, pero hindi ako mamamatay-tao.”

📣 THE STATEMENT: “I Was Not Behind the Disappearances”

Atong Ang firmly denied direct involvement in the abductions, saying that while his name has been dragged repeatedly, there is “no evidence linking him to any crime.”

“Yes, I was connected to e-sabong. Yes, I knew many of those people. But I never ordered anyone to be harmed,” he said.

He added that even his own employees have disappeared, and that he, too, wants answers.

“May sarili rin akong nawawalang tauhan. Wala akong tinatago. Gusto ko rin ng hustisya.”

🕊️ MESSAGE TO THE FAMILIES: “I Feel Your Pain”

In perhaps the most emotional part of the speech, Ang turned his focus to the families of the missing sabungeros:

“Sa mga magulang, asawa, at anak ng nawawala — ako’y nakikiramay. Hindi ko man kayang ibalik ang inyong mahal sa buhay, sana’y matulungan ko sa paghahanap ng katotohanan.”

He said he was willing to cooperate fully with any investigation, and even offered to help fund independent searches or legal inquiries, if needed.

“Kung kailangan ng sarili niyong imbestigador, handa akong tumulong. Basta’t mahanap natin ang totoo.”

🔍 INVESTIGATION UPDATE: DOJ & PNP WELCOME COOPERATION

Following Atong Ang’s statement, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla welcomed the offer to cooperate, but said words must be backed with action.

“We hope this is not a PR stunt. If Mr. Ang truly wants to help, we expect full transparency and surrender of all information he may have.”

The PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has already requested access to Atong Ang’s past e-sabong records, employee logs, and security footage from key cockfighting arenas.

😱 THE PUBLIC REACTS: Mixed Emotions and Suspicion

While some netizens welcomed Atong Ang’s openness, many remain skeptical, believing that the sudden confession may be damage control after weeks of damning allegations.

“Now ka pa nagsalita? Nang mawala ang mga sabungero, nasaan ka?”
“He’s playing innocent — too late.”
“If he’s innocent, let him testify under oath. No more press cons.”

Others praised him for finally speaking out, noting that other high-profile names have stayed silent.

“At least he showed up. The rest? Tahimik pa rin.”

📅 WHAT’S NEXT: WILL ATONG ANG TESTIFY IN THE SENATE?

Senator Risa Hontiveros, who has been leading the Senate inquiry into the case, announced that she will formally summon Atong Ang to testify at the next public hearing.

“He says he wants to help — let him do so under oath, before the people.”

Legal experts say his appearance could either clear his name or further implicate him, depending on how much information he reveals.

🕯️ FAMILIES STILL IN PAIN: “We Want Justice, Not Sympathy”

Despite Atong Ang’s statement, many families say they still feel unanswered, unheard, and uncertain.

“Parang drama lang ‘yang press con. Wala naman siyang sinabi kung nasaan ang asawa ko,” said one crying wife.
“Salita lang ‘yan. Ang kailangan namin, ebidensya. Bangkay man o buhay, gusto naming malaman ang totoo.”

⚖️ FINAL THOUGHTS: TRUTH OR STRATEGY?

Was this a genuine moment of truth from Atong Ang, or a calculated move to protect his name as investigations heat up?

Either way, one thing is clear — his voice has re-entered the story, and what happens next could either bring closure or reopen deeper wounds.

Because for the families of the missing,
words are no longer enough…
Only the truth — and justice — will do.