Families Speak Out on Atong Ang Involvement in Missing Sabungeros
Several family members of missing sabungeros have expressed no surprise over businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto’s alleged connection to their relatives’ disappearances three years ago. The ongoing investigation into these missing cockfighting enthusiasts has recently brought their names to light, stirring mixed emotions among the families.
Family members visited the Department of Justice (DOJ) last Friday seeking updates on the case. Among them was Carmen Malaca, mother of Edgar Malaca, one of the first sabungeros to vanish in January 2022. “We already know. We were no longer surprised, even before. We had been hearing about things like that even before my son was kidnapped. We’d already heard that such things were happening,” she shared in an interview. “But I never thought that what they were saying was actually true,” she added.
Janice Esplana, aunt of young missing sabungero Myson Ramos, echoed similar sentiments. “Nothing like that anymore (on being surprised) because we already knew, so we no longer discuss it,” she said. “We already knew about that a long time ago, so we weren’t stunned by it anymore,” she repeated when asked about the suspects.
Hope Amidst Pain
Despite their subdued reactions, the families hold onto hope that the new developments involving Atong Ang and Gretchen Barretto will help advance the investigation. They pray that it will at least lead to the recovery of their loved ones’ remains, as all are believed to have perished.
“After such a long time, it is only now that we’ve finally had a glimpse of hope,” Malaca said. “My only appeal is for the continued progress in shedding light on our case—especially in the recovery of the bodies and bones from Taal Lake,” she added.
Esplana expressed her determination to participate in the search efforts. She described her nephew as an innocent youth who only wanted to support his family. “My nephew was just doing his best to help their family because he was completely orphaned,” she said.
Similarly, Mylin Fernandine, mother of Mark Paul Fernandine, another missing sabungero, said the revelations have renewed her hope for justice. “It’s been a long time. My child has been missing for over three years now… I greatly regained my hope. I thought there was no more hope of finding them. That’s why I’m so grateful that someone who felt the tug of conscience finally spoke the truth,” she revealed.
Fernandine admitted she has come to terms with the possibility that her son may no longer be alive, but she still hopes to bury him properly once his remains are found.
Whistleblower Points to Suspects
Whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan connected Atong Ang and Gretchen Barretto to the disappearances, naming Ang as the alleged mastermind and Barretto as an accomplice. Patidongan also claimed that all the missing sabungeros were killed and buried beneath Taal Lake in Batangas, fueling further investigations.
DOJ’s Commitment to Justice
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, who met personally with the families, assured that the DOJ will persist in seeking justice. “We will not stop; justice is truly needed,” he said. “Our very soul as Filipinos is at stake here. We must not allow money to become the only master of the Filipino people,” he emphasized.
Remulla highlighted that the DOJ treats the case as a high priority and promised that “no stone will be left unturned” in uncovering the truth behind the missing sabungeros.
For more news and updates on missing sabungeros, visit Filipinokami.com.