Atong Ang's deadline to answer 'missing sabungeros' case extended

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has extended the deadline for businessman Atong Ang to submit his counter-affidavit in connection with the case of the missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts). 

Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Charlie Guhit said Monday, September 29, that the new deadline is November 3, moved from the original date, after complainants submitted additional documents.

The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) submitted more evidence, including USB drives containing supposed proof against Ang and his co-respondents. This means Ang and the other accused are expected to appear and file their counter-affidavits before prosecutors on November 3.

One affidavit came from Gleer Codilla, himself a respondent in cases pending before the Manila Regional Trial Court.

“But the good thing is the PNP submitted the affidavits today and the copies were given to the respondents,” Guhit told reporters in an ambush interview.

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Actress Gretchen Barretto, who is also implicated, filed her counter-affidavit on September 18, denying involvement in the disappearances.

On August 1, families of the missing cockfight enthusiasts filed complaints against Ang, Barretto and several others. The charges include multiple counts of kidnapping, serious illegal detention and murder.

The complaints followed claims from whistleblower Julie Patidongan, who accused Ang, Barretto and others of masterminding the disappearance of 34 sabungeros reported missing between 2021 and 2022.

Defense questions evidence

One of Ang’s lawyers, Lorna Kapunan, cast doubt on the contents of one USB drive, calling it “fabricated.”

“I think it’s fabricated. The last USB is a TikTok interview; it appears to be Mr. Ang talking,” Kapunan said, adding that the video looked artificially generated.

Kapunan also represents Ang in a separate complaint he filed against Patidongan before a Mandaluyong prosecutor on July 3.