Camille Naredo

Family members of the missing sabungeros call for justice during a media conference in Quezon City on July 14, 2025. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File

Family members of the missing sabungeros call for justice during a media conference in Quezon City on July 14, 2025. The group accuse business tycoon Charlie "Atong" Ang of being the mastermind behind the disappearance of the sabungeros, who may be the individuals whose remains were found submerged in Taal Lake. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Families of Missing Sabungeros call for Justice

Michael Delizo

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177927406124020250714-justice-missing-sabungeros-MD-9.jpg" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Family members of the missing sabungeros call for justice during a media conference in Quezon City on July 14, 2025. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File" width="960"/>Family members of the missing sabungeros call for justice during a media conference in Quezon City on July 14, 2025. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File</div>MANILA — Of the 31 original complainants in the case involving the disappearance of dozens of cockfighters (sabungeros), only five continue to actively attend court hearings, with some families alleging attempts to bribe them into abandoning the case.At least three of the remaining families claimed they were recently contacted by a lawyer for fugitive businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and invited to separate meetings. According to the families, they received varying amounts of money — P20,000, P30,000, and P40,000 — allegedly described as transportation assistance and compensation for the inconvenience of attending the meetings.<div><a class="fr-strong fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/9/patidongan-families-of-missing-sabungeros-asked-doj-help-to-consolidate-cases-1720">READ: Patidongan, families of missing sabungeros asked DOJ help to consolidate cases</a></div>The complainants also alleged they were offered P20,000 every payday period in exchange for no longer attending court hearings related to the case.“May inabot siya under the table na sobre pero hindi niya na pinabuksan. Ang sabi, itabi ko na lang. Pagdating sa bahay, nakita ko may lamang pera,” said Lambert Santos, a relative of one of the missing cockfighters.Another relative, Maria Teresa Japag, claimed they were also persuaded to stop attending hearings.“Kinumbinsi po kami na huwag nang umattend, bibigyan kami nang pampasyal-pasyal, ‘yong ang ino-offer niya sa amin. Katunayan po, ito po binigay niya,” she said.Dianne Loyola, another relative, said the alleged intention was to pressure families into abandoning their pursuit of justice.“Parang ang gusto niya po kasing palabasin, itigil na namin ‘yong laban dito sa missing sabungero,” Loyola said.The families believe the alleged bribery attempts may explain why only five complainants remain active in the proceedings. During hearings at the Sta. Cruz, Laguna court, only Santos, Japag, and Loyola reportedly continue to attend regularly.Relatives who remain committed to pursuing the case expressed frustration toward those they believe are helping weaken their efforts.“Kakasuhan namin ‘tong mga ‘to — nago-obstruct ng justice,” said Charlene Lasco, another relative of a missing cockfighter. “We are seeking justice. And you guys, hina-hamper niyo ‘yong justice namin eh.”“Sinisira niyo talaga, pinapahina niyo ang kaso natin. Namatayan din kayo ‘di ba? Ba’t naman kayo ganon?” she added.<div> </div><div>ADMIN CASE VS NEW COPS</div>Meanwhile, the families filed an administrative complaint before the National Police Commission (Napolcom) against Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group spokesperson Lt. Nadame Malang, as well as warden Major Reynaldo Pañebe Jr. of the PNP Custodial Center.The complaint alleged that the officers assisted and facilitated the families’ access to detained police personnel currently being held at the custodial facility inside Camp Crame in Quezon City.During the meeting, the accused officers allegedly denied involvement in the disappearances.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/8/dilg-chief-remulla-says-fugitive-atong-ang-last-spotted-in-cavite-1612">READ: DILG chief Remulla says fugitive Atong Ang last spotted in Cavite</a></div>“’Yong pulis naghubad po sa amin, sabi niya, wala po siya tattoo kaya malabong makatotohanan po ‘yong sinasabi ni Alyas Totoy na kasama daw po siya sa mga pulis na inaakusahan,” Loyola recounted.“Tapos ‘yong isa pa po doon na nag-withdraw sa ATM, hindi daw po siya ang nag-utos kay Elakim na mag-withdraw ng ATM kasi May pa raw po siya pumasok sa grupo ni Oraba kaya malabo,” she added.Napolcom Commissioner and Vice Chairperson Rafael Vicente Calinisan said the commission’s Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service (IMIS) has been directed to conduct a motu proprio investigation into the possible administrative liabilities of the police personnel involved.He stressed that any attempt to improperly influence complainants or interfere with the pursuit of justice would not be tolerated.“This would be grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming a police officer so iimbestigahan ito ng ating IMIS,” Calinisan said.Col. Marlon Santos, spokesperson for the PNP Chief, said the police organization welcomes the development and would cooperate with the investigation.“We welcome this significant development with regards to the reasons among others why some of the complainants failed or intended not to attend court proceedings,” Santos said.As of posting, the accused police officers have yet to respond to ABS-CBN News’ request for comment. Ang’s camp has also yet to issue a statement regarding the bribery allegations.

Of the 31 original complainants in the case involving the disappearance of dozens of cockfighters (sabungeros), only five continue to actively attend court hearings, with some families alleging attempts to bribe them into abandoning the case.

Of the 31 original complainants in the case involving the disappearance of dozens of cockfighters (sabungeros), only five continue to actively attend court hearings, with some families alleging attempts to bribe them into abandoning the case.

Only 5 complainants remain in missing sabungeros case amid alleged payoff attempts

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Only 5 complainants remain in missing sabungeros case amid alleged payoff attempts

Michael Delizo,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 20, 2026 06:49 PM PHT

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Napolcom

missing sabungeros

Atong Ang

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