Officer Denies Connection to Atong Ang
In a recent development surrounding the missing sabungeros case, the legal counsel of a police officer firmly denied any link between his client and gaming magnate Atong Ang. The four-word keyphrase “missing sabungeros case” has been central to ongoing investigations and public interest.
Senior Master Sgt. Joey Natanauan Encarnacion, one of the 12 police officers accused of involvement in the abduction and killing of cockfighting enthusiasts, was claimed to be on Ang’s payroll. However, officials reported that Encarnacion’s lawyer insists his client has no personal or direct connection to Ang.
Clarifying the Alleged Relationship
“He doesn’t know Mr. Atong Ang personally. He only knows him because Mr. Atong Ang is a popular personality, but he has not had personal engagements with Mr. Atong Ang,” said Atty. Bernard Vitriolo during a press briefing held in Quezon City. Community members noted that Encarnacion was reportedly busy pursuing studies at the National Forensic Science Training Institute in Cavite during the time the alleged kidnappings took place.
Furthermore, the lawyer explained that Encarnacion was assigned to the Highway Patrol Group and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, provided police assistance to a cockfighting company named “Lucky 88.” Vitriolo added he was not privy to the company’s internal details, only its name.
Official Charges and Custody Status
Authorities formally charged Encarnacion and 11 other police officers with administrative cases related to the missing sabungeros case on July 29. Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III reported that all 12 officers were placed under restrictive custody as of July 7.
Meanwhile, Ang has consistently denied the allegations. He called the claims “entirely false and without basis” and accused the whistleblower, Julie Patidongan, also known as Dondon or Totoy, of attempting to extort P300 million to avoid being implicated.
Disputing Fishery Ownership Claims
Another point of contention is the claim that Encarnacion owns a fishery in Taal Lake, where the victims’ bodies were allegedly discarded. Vitriolo rebutted this, citing certifications from the municipalities of Laurel and Talisay, Batangas, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Protected Area Management Board, confirming Encarnacion does not own any fishery in the area.
Whistleblower’s Allegations
In June, the whistleblower alleged that the sabungeros were killed, tied to sandbags, and dumped into Taal Lake. These claims continue to fuel investigations and public scrutiny of the missing sabungeros case.
For more news and updates on the missing sabungeros case, visit Filipinokami.com.
