DOJ issues lookout order vs Atong Ang, others over missing cockfighters

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has placed businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and several other individuals under an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) in connection with the case of missing cockfighters, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has confirmed. Remulla said the order covered persons identified by whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as “Totoy,” who tagged Ang as the alleged mastermind behind the disappearances. Patidongan claimed that more than 100 sabungeros were abducted between 2021 and 2022, killed, and dumped in Taal Lake. He further alleged that actress Gretchen Barretto was linked to the disappearances. Both Ang and Barretto have denied the accusations. Ang said Patidongan threatened to connect him to the abductions unless he paid P300 million, while Barretto also claimed she was subjected to a similar extortion attempt. The case of the missing cockfighters remains unsolved, with authorities continuing to investigate the claims.