BI intensifies watch on Ang, Barretto

MANILA, Philippines — Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado on Saturday ordered BI personnel stationed at seaports and airports to be on the lookout for businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, actress Gretchen Barretto, retired Lt. Gen. Jonnel Estomo and 50 other people in connection with the ongoing investigation of the missing cockfight enthusiasts or sabungeros.

Viado gave the order after the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against them.

BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said that Viado followed the DOJ’s orders even if they have not yet officially received a copy of the ILBO.

“We have yet to receive a copy of the order, but as a proactive measure, the Commissioner has instructed all ports to monitor their travels,” Sandoval said.

An ILBO, issued by the DOJ, directs the BI to monitor any domestic or foreign travel of a person under investigation.

The names in the ILBO were based on the list provided by whistle-blower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan alias “Totoy,” whose sworn affidavit was reportedly among the primary bases of the relatives of the missing sabungeros in filing a complaint of multiple murder and illegal detention against Ang, several police officials and other people who supposedly belong to Ang’s “Alpha Group.”

Patidongan is currently under the DOJ’s witness protection program.

In a television interview, he said that the missing sabungeros were reportedly all killed by strangulation as they were accused of cheating in cockfight games and were eventually dumped in Taal Lake.