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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOJ summons Atong Ang, others to explain criminal charges on 'missing sabungeros'

DOJ summons Atong Ang, others to explain criminal charges on 'missing sabungeros'

Published Sep 10, 2025 03:12 pm
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has started issuing subpoenas against businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and other persons named as respondents in the criminal charges on the case of the missing “sabungeros.”
DOJ Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV, during an interview on PTV’s Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon on Wednesday, Sept. 10, said: “Nagsimula po tayo mag-serve ng subpoenas kahapon at ngayon po nagpapatuloy po tayo sa pag-serve ng mga subpoenas na ‘yun (we started issuing subpoenas yesterday and we continue to serve subpoenas today).”
When asked if Ang is among those who were issued subpoenas, Clavano said: “Definitely pagkatapos this (after this), he would have been served already with the subpoena.”
Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto have been named by families of the missing “sabungeros” (cockfight enthusiasts) in the criminal charges of multiple murder and serious illegal detention they filed before the DOJ. Ang and Barrettto denied the allegations against them.
Clavano said the goal of the DOJ is to serve all the subpoenas today, Sept. 10.
He explained that the subpoenas ordered the respondents to appear during the preliminary investigation that will be conducted by a DOJ panel of prosecutors.
He did not state, however, when the preliminary investigation will start.
The preliminary investigation will determine if charges will be filed in court.
Meanwhile, Clavano said the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is continuing its search in Taal Lake in Batangas for the possible remains of missing “sabungeros.”
“The Philippine Coast Guard confirmed that they have retrieved from the lake bed of Taal another set of skeletons that are determined to be human remains,” he said.
The Taal Lake search is being conducted based on the testimony of whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan who revealed that many “sabungeros” were killed and dumped into the lake.
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