Legal Counsel of Atong Ang Named in Missing Sabungeros Case, Whistleblower Alleges

Manila, Philippines — A new name has surfaced in the controversial case of the missing sabungeros (cockfight enthusiasts), with whistleblower Julie Patidongan, also known as “Totoy,” claiming that a prominent lawyer is among those allegedly involved.

Patidongan identified Atty. Caroline Cruz, legal counsel of gaming operator Atong Ang, as having played a role in the disappearances. Ang had earlier been tagged by Patidongan as the alleged mastermind behind the case.

Cruz is not only Ang’s lawyer but also serves as the executive director of the Pitmaster Foundation, a charitable organization under Ang’s business operations.

According to the whistleblower, Cruz was among those who allegedly approved plans to silence cockfighters caught cheating during betting matches.

“Atty. Caroline Cruz was also involved. She had a role,” Patidongan said. “Mr. Atong Ang told us, ‘If we don’t do this, our business will collapse.’”

Patidongan further alleged that Cruz was the one who drafted his retraction statement after Ang supposedly offered him ₱300 million in exchange for his silence and eventual departure from the country.

So far, four Alpha members have been named by Patidongan as those who allegedly gave the go signal to kill the missing sabungeros.

These include actress Gretchen Barretto, Ako Bisaya Party-list Rep. Sonny Lagon, Atty. Caroline Cruz, and Atong Ang — who, according to Patidongan, is the mastermind behind the killings.

In response to the allegations, Cruz vehemently denied any involvement in the case.

“It’s another day, it’s another teleserye,” Cruz said, referring to the accusation as yet another dramatized tale.

“I will just wait for his next script so I can intelligently answer his allegation. It’s difficult when it’s all gossip,” she added.

Authorities have yet to confirm or deny the new claims, as investigations into the disappearance of the sabungeroscontinue.

Meanwhile, Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla confirmed that human bones were recovered from Taal Lake during retrieval operations conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard on Thursday, July 17.

In a press conference, Remulla stated that the bones recovered were identified as human ribs.

He further revealed that four sacks were retrieved from the lake. According to him, two of the sacks contained human remains, while the other two were filled with sand, reportedly used as weights to sink the bodies to the bottom of the lake.

Remulla also disclosed that it was Julie Patidongan, also known as “Totoy,” who directed the boatmen to the location where the bodies were dumped.