Businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang has denied any involvement in the abduction of cockfight enthusiasts, following allegations made by Julie “Dondon” Patidongan—one of the accused in the high-profile case of missing sabungeros.
Ang’s legal counsel, Atty. Lorna Kapunan, firmly rejected Patidongan’s claims, labeling them as outright falsehoods. “I think all the statements are lies,” she told GMA Integrated News. “They’re false. And I think it did come at a time when it became evident to him that Mr. Atong Ang was not going to give in [to] his extortion of P300 million, which he also tried, attempted to several members of the board.”
Kapunan alleged that Patidongan made his accusations only after failing to extort Ang and realizing the businessman was preparing legal action against him.
Patidongan, a former chief of security at Ang’s cockfighting farms, had earlier implicated Ang and three others in the 2021 disappearances, claiming over 100 were killed. He also dragged actress Gretchen Barretto into the controversy, alleging she was aware of the abductions.
Kapunan, however, expressed confidence in the Philippine National Police under the leadership of Police General Nicolas Torre III, saying Ang’s camp welcomes his role in the investigation. “Because he can see through the lies,” she said.
Patidongan had previously stated that he decided to go public with his claims after realizing Torre could not be bribed.
