Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, one of the accused in the high-profile case of missing cockfighting enthusiasts, has pointed to businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang as the alleged brains behind the abductions.
In an exclusive interview aired on 24 Oras, Patidongan, who previously worked as chief of security at Ang’s cockfighting farms, claimed that the victims were targeted for cheating and that Ang ordered their disappearance. “Si Mr. Atong Ang… siya ang pinaka-mastermind at siya naguutos na talagang iligpit ng mga ‘yan,” he said.
Patidongan also named Eric Dela Rosa and Engineer Celso Salazar as Ang’s alleged co-conspirators, saying Dela Rosa monitored the cockfights and reported incidents of cheating to Ang, who then relayed instructions to him.
Adding another twist, Patidongan accused actress Gretchen Barretto of being aware of the operations. “100% na may kinalaman siya gawa na lagi silang magkasama ni Mr. Atong Ang,” he said, urging Barretto to cooperate with authorities.
He also appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to help ensure justice for the victims’ families.
Patidongan, who is among six individuals facing charges related to the disappearances from 2021 to 2022, claimed he only spoke out now because he trusts Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III. “Alam kong hindi niya kayang bayaran ng pera ‘yan,” he said.
He denied any involvement in the abductions, describing himself merely as a farm employee. He also dismissed allegations of extortion and denied receiving money from Ang in exchange for a recantation. “Hindi ko kayang tanggapin ang pera niya,” he insisted.
Ang’s legal team, meanwhile, plans to file a complaint affidavit against Patidongan before the Mandaluyong Prosecutor’s Office.
Despite the looming legal battle, Patidongan stood firm, saying, “Parang kinasuhan niya na rin yung sarili niya… Siya naman nag-uutos ng lahat.”
