Jauhn Etienne Villaruel

Article (news)

Michael Delizo

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782455551718729747037_1439013744918014_5494775648879886060_n (1) (1).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Two family members of missing sabungeros arrive at the Quezon City Hall of Justice with their lawyers for the continuation of court hearings on Friday, June 26.<em> Michael Joe Delizo, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA – Only two family members of missing cockfighting enthusiasts or “sabungeros” attended Friday’s continuation of hearings on the criminal cases involving fugitive businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and several others accused in the disappearance of dozens of sabungeros.</p><p>The hearing was the first to be held before a Quezon City court after the cases were transferred from the Regional Trial Courts (RTCs) of Sta. Cruz, Laguna; San Pablo City, Laguna; and Lipa City, Batangas.</p><p>The Quezon City RTC is now handling the cases for kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping and serious illegal detention.</p><p>Diane Loyola and Teresa Japag, partners of missing sabungeros Ferdinand Dizon and Nerio Antecristo, respectively, appeared with their lawyers. The other 17 complainants who filed charges before the Sta. Cruz court did not attend.</p><p>The Supreme Court En Banc earlier approved the transfer of the cases upon the motion of the panel of prosecutors, citing security concerns and the sensitive nature of the proceedings.</p><p>Loyola said the transfer made it easier for them to attend hearings.</p><p>“Mas madali na po sa aming pumunta dito, medyo malapit na po kaysa sa Sta. Cruz,” she said.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>&#x27;NAGKAROON NG PAYROLL SILA&#x27;<br/></strong></div><div><br/></div><p>She also said she has lost communication with some of the other complainants.</p><p>“Hindi ko na sigurado doon sa iba kasi nga nagkaroon na ng payroll sila. Hindi ko sure kung makakapunta sila kasi actually wala na rin kaming communication,” Loyola added.</p><p>Loyola previously alleged that there were attempts from Ang’s camp to persuade complainants to withdraw their support for the case and stop attending hearings.</p><p>Despite the absence of other complainants, Loyola said they would continue pursuing the case.</p><p>“Hindi na po sila nakikipag-usap sa amin. Siguro iyon na po talaga ang desisyon nila, hindi naman na po namin mababago. Pero kami pong natitira, patuloy po kaming lalaban,” she said.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>BAIL BID OPPOSED</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Loyola also expressed opposition to the bail petitions filed by several accused police officers and security personnel.</p><p>“Sana hindi maaprubahan ‘yung bail nila kasi kapag nakapag-bail sila, baka umpisa na ‘yon na humina lalo ‘yong kaso,” she said.</p><p>The hearing continued discussions on the motions for bail filed by the accused. Their lawyer declined to issue a statement, citing a court-issued gag order.</p><p>State witness Elakim Patidongan also appeared before the court wearing a helmet and bulletproof vest. Patidongan was identified by the Philippine National Police through CCTV footage as the person who allegedly withdrew money from the bank account of one of the victims, Melbert John Santos.</p><p>Meanwhile, Ang remains at large. His lawyer, Gabriel Villareal, attended the proceedings.</p><p>The missing sabungeros case involves the disappearance of dozens of cockfighting enthusiasts who were last seen between 2021 and 2022. Several police officers, security personnel, and other individuals have been charged in connection with the cases.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/20/only-5-complainants-remain-in-missing-sabungeros-case-amid-alleged-payoff-attempts-1849">Only 5 complainants remain in missing sabungeros case amid alleged payoff attempts</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEOS</strong></div><div><strong><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NJM6hVeODoM?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></strong><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aR1sLXgMRD4?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>Only two family members of missing cockfighting enthusiasts or “sabungeros” attended Friday’s continuation of hearings on the criminal cases involving fugitive businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and several others accused in the disappearance of dozens of sabungeros.</p>

Only two family members of missing cockfighting enthusiasts or “sabungeros” attended Friday’s continuation of hearings on the criminal cases involving fugitive businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and several others accused in the disappearance of dozens of sabungeros.

First QC hearing on 'missing sabungeros' cases draws only 2 complainants

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First QC hearing on 'missing sabungeros' cases draws only 2 complainants

Michael Delizo,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 26, 2026 02:33 PM PHT

Read More:

missing sabungero

Atong Ang

Quezon City

Diane Loyola

Teresa Japag

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