MISSING SABUNGEROS

MANILA, Philippines – A security agency chief, who is among those accused in the case of missing sabungeros (cockfight enthusiasts), has directly implicated businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto in the alleged abductions. Julie “Dondon” Aguilar Paditongan, also known by his alias “Totoy,” made these claims in an exclusive interview with GMA-7’s “24 Oras” on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.

Paditongan, who served as chief of security for cockfight farms and arenas reportedly owned by Ang, decided to reveal his true name, stating that various accusations were being leveled against him by his opponents. He is one of six individuals charged with kidnapping and serious illegal detention in connection with the missing sabungeros, who were reported to have disappeared between 2021 and 2022. While his voice was heard in the interview, his face remained blurred.

Allegations against Ang, Barretto, and others

In the interview with Emil Sumangil, Paditongan named Charlie “Atong” Ang, Eric dela Rosa, and Engineer Celso Salazar as the alleged masterminds behind the disappearances. Paditongan asserted that Ang, as the chairman of Pitmaster, was the “main mastermind” and allegedly gave orders to “dispose” of the missing individuals. He claimed that Eric dela Rosa monitored cockfights for cheating and reported those caught to Ang, who would then discuss the matter with Salazar. Paditongan stated he would then receive orders to “put on hold those who were cheating.”

Paditongan also directly implicated actress Gretchen Barretto, stating, “She is 100% involved because she is always with Mr. Atong Ang.” He urged Barretto to cooperate with him.

Paditongan’s defense and counter-allegations

When questioned about his decision to speak out after several years, Paditongan explained his belief that Ang cannot bribe the current Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, General Nicolas Torre III. “I came into the light now because I believe that he cannot bribe the PNP chief with any amount of money,” he said.

Paditongan denied direct involvement in the abductions, stating, “I don’t have anything to do with that. I’m just following orders as a farm manager.” He also refuted claims of receiving ₱300 million from Ang in exchange for a recantation of his statements. “I cannot accept such an amount of money,” Paditongan declared, “because my life and my family are at stake.” He added, “It’s like [Ang] is also filing charges against himself… He’s the one making those orders in the first place.” He further challenged Ang, saying, “As the old saying goes, Mr. Atong Ang, please don’t hide under your mother’s skirt. You gave me a paper to sign in exchange for money, I think it has something to do with recantation. But I told you that I cannot accept the money because my life and my family are at stake.”

In a separate development, Ang’s camp has reportedly indicated their intention to file a complaint affidavit against Paditongan on Thursday before the Office of the Prosecutor in Mandaluyong. Paditongan, however, stated he is not concerned by this.

Paditongan concluded by appealing to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to order authorities to resolve the case for the sake of the victims’ families.

RELATED STORY: Witness claims 34 missing ‘sabungeros’ dead, buried in Taal Lake