House to invite Atong Ang, Gretchen Barretto to missing sabungeros probe

The House Committee on Human Rights is set to invite businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto to its probe into the disappearance of 34 sabungeros or cockfighting enthusiasts, after they were accused of being involved in the supposed abductions.

According to committee chairman and Manila Representative Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr., the businessman and the actress will be asked to attend the inquiry, along with the Patidongan brothers who accused them, and 18 policemen reportedly involved in the case.

“I believe so. Later on, papatawag din natin siya sapagkat he (Ang) was charged for murder, even I think Gretchen Barretto,” he was quoted as saying in a statement, citing a televised interview with Bilyonaryo on Friday evening.

(I believe so. Later on, we will also summon him because he (Ang) we charged with murder, even, I think, Gretchen Barretto.)

Abante also expressed disappointment over how the investigation is being conducted by the government, citing the lack of charges being filed in the courts.

“No, I’m not happy… In fact, I told them… because look, the DOJ (Department of Justice) is investigating, the CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) is investigating, the Napolcom (National Police Commission) is also investigating, but so far, none has been charged in court,” he said.

“And one more thing. Even if the forensics of the Philippine National Police uncovered 401 human bones (in Taal Lake where the sabungeros’ bodies were allegedly disposed of), they have not actually given us any DNA match of the missing sabungeros. So sabi ko, e kung walang ganong bagay, ‘di walang kaso. Walang kaso,” the lawmaker added.

(So I said if there’s not such evidence, there’s no case)

Ang and Barretto were linked to the missing sabungeros by Julie “Dondon” Patidongan —  a former chief of security in Ang’s farm and cockfight arenas — who said that the missing sabungeros are all dead.

Patidongan claimed that Ang was the mastermind behind the missing sabungeros He told authorities that more than 100 persons were abducted, killed, and their remains dumped in the waters of the Taal Lake.

Families of the missing sabungeros earlier this month filed murder complaints against Ang, Barretto, and former National Capital Region Police Office chief retired Police General Jonnel Estomo, who have all denied involvement.

Ang earlier said he is ready to face the murder and serious illegal detention complaints. He also said Patidongan and another former employee threatened to implicate him if he refused to give them P300 million.

Barretto’s camp, meanwhile, also categorically denied involvement in the matter, and that she was merely one of the 20 investors in e-sabong operations, categorized as ‘alpha members’. Her lawyer said there were similar threats of extortion against her. — RF, GMA Integrated News