DOJ issues subpoena vs. Atong Ang, Gretchen Barretto over missing sabungeros

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued subpoenas against businessman Atong Ang, actress Gretchen Barretto, and several others over the murder complaint filed against them by the families of the missing sabungeros.

According to Saleema Refran’s report on Super Radyo dzBB, the department also issued subpoenas against former National Capital Region Police Office chief retired Police General Jonnel Estomo and 18 cops.

“Subpoenas have been issued from the preliminary report given by the National Prosecution Service as against the 59 or 60 respondents in the case of the missing sabungeros,” Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano said on BP Ngayon.

The department also issued a subpoena against former National Capital Region Police Office chief retired Police General Jonnel Estomo and 18 cops.

DEVELOPING STORY: Subpoena para kina Atong Ang, Gretchen Barretto at nasa 60 pang iba pa, isinisilbi na ng mga tauhan ng Department of Justice (DOJ) para sa preliminary investigation kaugnay ng “missing sabungeros.” | via @saleema_refran, @gmanews pic.twitter.com/0NG2RmzdcG

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) September 10, 2025

This is for the preliminary investigation against them for serious illegal detention and multiple murder, among others.

The first hearing is scheduled to take place on September 18.

Ang, Barretto, and Estomo previously denied the allegations against them.

Patidongan

In an ambush interview, Clavano said he is still verifying whether a subpoena was issued against whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan and his brother, Elakim.

Patidongan was the one who linked Ang and Barretto to the case. He also told authorities that more than 100 sabungeros were abducted, killed, and then dumped at Taal Lake.

Clavano explained that in order for them to be qualified as state witnesses, they must first be charged.

“Pasok sila sa eligibility at qualifications ng isang state witness. Kasama na po diyan na hindi dapat sila pwede maging most guilty sa kaso,” he said.  

(They fall under the eligibility and qualifications of a state witness. Included in that is that they should not be the most guilty in the case.)

When asked if the respondents are required to appear during the preliminary probe, Clavano said this is subject to the approval of the panel of prosecutors.

“There are times na pinapayagan po ang mga respondent na mag-assign ng representative na mag-appear dito sa DOJ,” he said in an ambush interview.

“Ngunit syempre, hanggang kaya, we encourage all respondents to come personally,” he added.

Challenge

Sought for comment, Ang’s counsel and spokesperson Atty. Gabriel Villareal welcomed the opportunity to respond to the allegations.

“Hinahamon ko si Dondon na lumabas na sa likod ng saya ni Secretary Remulla at patunayan niya sa pamamagitan ng ebidensya ang mga akusasyon niya. Paghandaan na rin niya panagutan ang konsekwensya ng mga kagagawan niya,” he said in a statement.

(I challenge Dondon to come out from behind Secretary Remulla’s skirt and prove his accusations through evidence. He should also prepare to face the consequences of his actions.)

Meanwhile, Clavano assured the respondents of an “evidence-based investigation” and an “evidence-based decision.”

Meanwhile, Clavano said that two more human skulls were recovered from Taal Lake, which will go through screening and DNA testing.

Earlier, Ang slapped Patidongan with a complaint with the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor's Office for conspiracy to commit attempted robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons, grave threats, grave coercion, slander, and incriminating against innocent persons.

Ang said Patidongan threatened to link him to the disappearance if he refused to pay P300 million while Barretto said she received a similar threat. —VAL, GMA Integrated News