Philippine Gambling Boss Accused of Cockfight Kidnappings Sues Whistleblower

Posted on: July 8, 2025, 08:06h. 

Last updated on: July 8, 2025, 09:24h.

Philip Conneller @casinoorgphilc Read More
Expertise: Gaming Business, Regulation, Tribal Gaming.
  • Whistleblower claims over 100 sabungeros dumped in lake
  • Ang denies involvement, files extortion complaint against ex-staff
  • DOJ weighing whistleblower role as potential state witness

A Philippine gambling tycoon accused of complicity in the disappearance of at least 34 missing cockfight workers is suing the former employee who made the claim.

Atong Ang, e-sabong, sabungeros disappearance, Julie Patidongan, cockfighting Philippines
Charlie “Atong” Ang, above, denies involvement in the case of 34 missing sabungeros, or cockfight workers, and is suing his accuser. (Image: rmn)

Charlie “Atong” Ang, who operates the e-sabong (online cockfighting) company Lucky 8 Star Quest Inc, has filed a criminal complaint against Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, claiming coercion, slander, conspiracy to commit attempted robbery, and incriminating innocent persons.

Despite his first name, Patidongan is male. He is one of six former security guards who worked at cockfight venue the Manilla Arena who have been charged with the kidnappings. The cockfight workers, known as sabungeros, went missing in 2021 and 2022.

100 Victims?

Patidongan testified in a recent TV interview for GMA News that there were more than 100 victims, and they had been dumped in Taal Lake, which surrounds an active volcano. He also named Ang as the mastermind, which Ang denies.

The missing men were all gamefowl handlers, aides, helpers, or vehicle drivers in the industry. All are alleged to have been involved in fixing cockfights, which involves sabotaging one bird for the benefit of a gambling ring.

Patidongan claimed the men were killed to set an example and prevent bout-rigging, which undermines the profitability of the bloodsport.

In his 29-page lawsuit, Ang described Patidongan as a former game fowl farm manager responsible for overseeing operations in locations including Batangas, Laguna, and Manila. The filing claims that Patidongan, together with another former employee, Alan “Brown” Bantiles, attempted to extort the equivalent of around US$5 million from Ang, in exchange for not implicating him in the case.

“This demand was outrageous and deeply disturbing,” Ang said in the complaint, portions of which were reported by the Philippine Daily Inquirer. “They have caused me irreparable harm through false accusations.”

Cultural Roots

Cockfighting has deep cultural roots in the Philippines, with a history spanning several centuries. The matches typically feature roosters fighting to the death, often with sharp blades attached to their legs. The birds are sometimes injected with performance-enhancing steroids.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, e-sabong saw a surge in popularity as public health restrictions closed many live event venues to spectators.

In response, the government temporarily moved to regulate and tax the industry. However, following the sabungeros disappearances, then-President Rodrigo Duterte imposed an outright ban.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is now evaluating whether Patidongan could serve as a state witness. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has declined to comment on the complaint filed by Ang, saying the matter is under review.

Presidential Communications Office spokesperson Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is closely monitoring the case.

“The President has made it clear. No one is above the law,” Castro said. “Justice must be served for the families of the missing sabungeros.”