After four long years of waiting, the families of missing “sabungeros” may finally see the start of justice.
Murder and serious illegal detention charges have been formally filed at the Department of Justice (DOJ) against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and several others allegedly involved in the high-profile disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts.
Among those present at the DOJ was Ryan Bautista, brother of one of the victims, Michael Bautista.
“Syempre masayang-masaya po dahil four years naming inantay ito,” Bautista said in an emotional statement, holding back tears.
Bautista was joined by officers from the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG). PNP Chief General Nicolas Torre III arrived shortly after but refused to make any statement, deferring to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.
“No statement on missing sabungeros, si SOJ iyan,” Torre told the media.
Atong Ang, for his part, has consistently denied any involvement in the disappearances. In a past interview, he hinted at a deeper financial motive behind the controversy: “Puno’t dulo nito, pera.”
The filing of the complaints marks a significant development in a case that has gripped national attention since several “sabungeros” went missing under mysterious circumstances linked to online cockfighting operations.
