Most 'missing sabungeros' suspects are police; Gretchen spared
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has indicted businessman Atong Ang and more than a dozen police officers over the disappearance of more than 30 cockfight enthusiasts, underscoring the depth of law enforcement’s alleged involvement in the “missing sabungeros” case.
In a statement Tuesday evening, December 9, the DOJ said it found prima facie evidence to indict Ang and 21 others for 10 counts of kidnapping with homicide. It also found grounds to charge Ang and 15 others for kidnapping and serious illegal detention.
A total of 26 criminal informations will be filed before Regional Trial Courts in Lipa City, Batangas, Sta. Cruz, Laguna, and San Pablo, Laguna, DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez said.
Many of the individuals facing charges are active or former police officers across multiple ranks—including master sergeants, corporals, staff sergeants, and commissioned officers. Several are being charged in both sets of cases.
The charges stem from cases filed by families of the missing men on August 1, relating to the disappearance of 34 sabungeros between 2021 and 2022. Prosecutors said more details will be released once the informations are docketed in court.
Barretto spared. One prominent respondent was not on the charge sheet. The DOJ dismissed complaints against actress Gretchen Barretto, after finding insufficient evidence to link her and a few others to the disappearances.
Barretto had been previously accused by self-proclaimed whistleblower Julie Patidongan, whose allegations helped spur the complaints.
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