![\"cockfighting](\"https:\/\/readwrite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/cockfighting-murders-300x169.jpg\")
<\/div>\nThe Department of Justice (DOJ) officially recorded a missing persons case with the individuals involved in cockfighting and a supposed mastermind behind their abduction, Charlie \u201cAtong\u201d Ang.<\/p>\n
The DOJ has filed the complaint, which is submitted on the grounds of both murder and illegal detention charges against Ang and a tight circle of rumoured accomplices in the Phillipines.<\/p>\n
These charges also relate to the killing of cockfighting bettors, known as \u201csabungeros,\u201d and the possible seclusion of a witness in Cambodia by Ang.<\/p>\n
Ang faces murder and illegal detention charges<\/span><\/h2>\nJustice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has been heavily involved in the case that was given credence by the testimony of a whistleblower close to Ang.<\/p>\n
Julie \u201cDondon\u201d Patidongan is integral to the DOJ\u2019s progress in highlighting the possible wrongdoings linked to illegal gambling rings, as is his brother Elakim.<\/p>\n
Julie Patidongan was the Farm Manager, which was an umbrella title for the management of all the locations operated by Ang, according to the Manilla Times. In this position, they had control over security personnel, procurement and all other essential comings and goings at these locations.<\/p>\n
Elakim Patidongan was repatriated as part of Remulla\u2019s case, and he believes that the man close to Ang\u2019s inner circle can also submit key evidence alongside his brother. Both brothers have now submitted affidavits.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis (Elakim’s) testimony is the missing factor,\u201d Remulla said. \u201cIt now makes the government\u2019s theory very credible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Patidongan brothers key to the DOJ case<\/span><\/h2>\nElakim has given evidence about the killings as a witness and has given information, such as the location of human remains in Taal Lake on the island of Luzon in the Philippines.<\/p>\n
Remulla stated, \u201cIt\u2019s rare for us to have a witness who is highly placed and embedded within a criminal organization. This is very rare. I think it\u2019s the first time in Philippine history that we have something like this\u2014a real whistleblower exposing the acts of a criminal organization.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Elakim has also given evidence alongside Dondon that points towards the involvement of National Police Commission (Napolcom) officers in the killings. Twelve officers have now been suspended as part of the case, with Napolcom Vice Chairman Rafael Vicente Calinisan giving a statement on the decision.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a tool by the Napolcom to ensure the safety of witnesses and the integrity of the investigation,\u201d Calinisan said.<\/p>\n
Patidongan, according to the Napolcom statement, has accused these officers and stated they \u201cparticipated in these killings and are reportedly involved in illegal activities alongside Charlie Ang, from whom they allegedly received grease or protection money.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ang refutes killing claims<\/span><\/h2>\nAng has filed a countersuit against Patidongan and other complainants who say he orchestrated the abduction and killing of the bettors.<\/p>\n
His legal counsel, Gabriel Villareal has been public about his client\u2019s framing and even commented on the \u201crelief\u201d he felt that he could defend Ang in an official setting.<\/p>\n
He said, \u201cIt felt like we were being beaten in the dark, unable to respond because we never saw any evidence. Now at least we can confront the accusations head-on.\u201d<\/p>\n
Remulla remained stoic in the blockbuster case, saying, \u201cThis isn\u2019t something that can be rushed,\u201d he said. \u201cBut we\u2019re preparing well. Organized crime cases require deep, careful work \u2014 and the truth is starting to come out.\u201d<\/p>\n
The post Cockfighting bettor killings filed by the Department of Justice<\/a> appeared first on ReadWrite<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Elakim has given evidence about the killings as a witness and has given information, such as the location of human remains in Taal Lake on the island of Luzon in the Philippines.<\/p>\n
Remulla stated, \u201cIt\u2019s rare for us to have a witness who is highly placed and embedded within a criminal organization. This is very rare. I think it\u2019s the first time in Philippine history that we have something like this\u2014a real whistleblower exposing the acts of a criminal organization.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Elakim has also given evidence alongside Dondon that points towards the involvement of National Police Commission (Napolcom) officers in the killings. Twelve officers have now been suspended as part of the case, with Napolcom Vice Chairman Rafael Vicente Calinisan giving a statement on the decision.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a tool by the Napolcom to ensure the safety of witnesses and the integrity of the investigation,\u201d Calinisan said.<\/p>\n
Patidongan, according to the Napolcom statement, has accused these officers and stated they \u201cparticipated in these killings and are reportedly involved in illegal activities alongside Charlie Ang, from whom they allegedly received grease or protection money.\u201d<\/p>\n