A former aide of gambling operator Atong Ang has come forward with explosive claims, alleging that some police officers pocketed monthly bribes totaling P2.5 million from Ang’s camp in connection with the still-unsolved case of missing cockfight enthusiasts.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, whistleblower Julie Patidongan said a police lieutenant colonel—his personal acquaintance—was receiving P2 million every month, while another P500,000 was allegedly split among lower-ranking officers. These include a police lieutenant, executive master sergeant, staff master sergeant, staff sergeant, and corporal.
“P500,000 lang yan sa isang grupo… Ipa-paabot sa akin yan, gawa ng team leader nila ay may monthly na 2 million pesos,” Patidongan said.
He also defended a man named Alan Bantiles, alias “Brown,” saying he was wrongfully implicated by Ang despite having no involvement. “Kinasama ng loob ko na pati yung tao na walang kasalanan dinawit niya dito,” he added.
Patidongan rejected speculations that linked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to the scandal. “Walang NBI na involved… gawa-gawa lang yan ni Mr. Atong Ang para siraan ako,” he clarified.
Atong Ang, in a sworn affidavit, claimed he initially helped Patidongan with legal and financial support during the early stages of the investigation, describing it as an act of goodwill. But the relationship turned sour when Ang accused both Patidongan and Bantiles of plotting to kidnap and murder him, extort ransom, and rob his properties.
According to the affidavit, Bantiles was allegedly instructed to secure fake travel documents to aid their escape. Ang said, “Dondon openly discussed to carry out a grave and calculated criminal scheme…”
Patidongan denied all the charges and, in turn, accused Ang of being the one who provided him with a fake passport in 2021 to prevent him from testifying. “Nakarating ako ng Singapore, Cambodia, Europe gamit ang pekeng passport na pinagawa ni Mr. Atong Ang,” he said.
He is now under the protection of the Philippine National Police and working with the Department of Justice and the CIDG. “Nagpapasalamat ako kay Sir Torre,” he said, referring to PNP chief Rommel Francisco Marbil.
Patidongan confirmed that he plans to file criminal charges against Ang soon.
