Atong Ang tagged as e-sabong kidnap brains

Gretchen also linked; Ang to sue

MANILA, Philippines — Gaming tycoon Atong Ang is taking legal action after being implicated as the mastermind behind the disappearance and murder of over 100 cockfight enthusiasts.

Ang will file a complaint today with the Mandaluyong City prosecutor’s office after whistle-blower Julie Patidongan or alias “Totoy” accused him and actress Gretchen Barretto of being involved in the kidnapping and disappearance of the sabungeros.

Patidongan, one of six Manila Arena security guards arrested after being implicated in the case, had claimed that the victims were killed and dumped in Taal Lake.

In an interview aired yesterday over GMA News, Patidongan alleged that Ang, Eric dela Rosa and Celso Salazar were the masterminds.

Patidongan, who reportedly served as the head of the security agency that handles Ang’s farms and cockpit arenas, said Ang is the one who ordered the killing of the sabungeros who were caught cheating in games.

“Si Mr. Eric dela Rosa, siya ang nagmo-monitor ng mga palabas. Kapag alam niyang tiyope, pinapaalam niya kay Mr. Atong Ang (Dela Rosa monitored the shows. If he knew the chicken was disabled, he informed Ang),” Patidongan said.

After consulting with Salazar, Patidongan said, Ang would then instruct him to hold the sabungeros who cheated in the games.

“Siya ang pinaka mastermind at siya ang nag-uutos na talagang iligpit ang mga ‘yan (He’s the real mastermind and he gives the instruction to liquidate them),” Patidongan said, referring to Ang.

Barretto, he said, should come forward and help him in his crusade.

Patidongan said Ang’s camp offered him P300 million to recant his statements. He declined.

Patidongan earlier claimed that the “very powerful” mastermind is capable of influencing the judiciary, prompting Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla to set up a meeting with Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo.

Police officers, state officials and people in the Visayas are also allegedly involved in the case, Remulla noted, citing a “corporate set-up.”

Probers believe an organized group who earned millions of pesos from the online cockfighting industry committed the crimes.

President Marcos is seeking a “deep investigation” into the missing sabungeros’ case.

The Department of Justice is evaluating the testimonies of four people to determine who can become state witnesses, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro noted.

“We believe in the integrity of our court,” she added.