The government wants to know the truth about some missing men who loved joining cockfights — called sabungeros. These men disappeared, and now big names are being linked to what happened.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said two well-known people — businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto — will be part of the investigation. Why? Because someone said they might know something about the mystery.
That “someone” is Julie Patidongan, also known as Totoy. He told the police that Atong Ang was the mastermind (or leader) behind the kidnappings. He also said that Gretchen Barretto might be involved too.
Because of these serious accusations, Secretary Remulla said, “Since their names were mentioned, we need to include them in the investigation as suspects.” The Department of Justice (DOJ) will look at all the evidence to see what charges might be filed.
But Atong Ang says he’s innocent. On the same day, he went to the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office and filed a complaint against Totoy. He said Totoy and another person tried to blackmail him — meaning they threatened to say he was guilty unless he gave them ₱300 million!
Meanwhile, the police are planning something big. Totoy said the bodies of over 100 people, including the missing sabungeros, might have been thrown into Taal Lake. Experts are now figuring out how to search under the lake to see if this is true.
So far, nothing is proven. But with famous names, missing people, and secret threats, this case is full of mystery — and the truth is still waiting to be found.
