Statement of Malacañang on Missing ‘Sabungeros’ Case
Malacañang expressed the stand of President Bongbong Marcos and the administration on the case of the missing ‘sabungeros’.
Currently, the families of the 34 cockfight enthusiasts remain calling for justice after around four (4) years since their loved ones have gone missing. Recently, countless people were shocked when a “whistleblower” identified as alias “Totoy” spoke on the case.
Alias “Totoy” accused business giant Charlie Ang or more popularly known as Atong Ang in the disappearance of the “sabungeros”. The “whistleblower” also claimed that around 100 cockfight enthusiasts allegedly went through a devastating fate before they were thrown into Taal Lake.
Alias “Totoy” also involved the name of Gretchen Barretto in the case. The former actress was previously linked to Atong Ang after photos of them holding each other’s hands during a flight circulated on social media. The businessman previously denied any romantic relationship with Barretto who is the long-time partner of business giant Tony Boy Cojuangco.
Barretto is also known as allegedly a close associate of Ang in his business during the peak of the e-sabong, an online cockfighting business. Many Filipinos were hooked by the said online sabong. The camp of the former actress has yet to issue a statement on the implication of her name to the case.
Recently, Malacañang spoke on the matter. Based on a report on Inquirer, amid two (2) well-known personalities named to be allegedly involved in the case of the missing ‘sabungeros’, the Palace stressed that the President and the administration will not exempt anyone from liabilities.
“Anyone, regardless of their status in life — even well-known personalities — will not be spared by the President and the administration,” Palace press undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said.
During a press briefing, based on the report, the Malacañang press officer stressed that a deeper probe should take place in the pursuit of giving justice to the families of the missing cockfight enthusiasts.
“If there is accountability to be faced, then a thorough investigation must be conducted to give justice to the families of the so-called missing sabungeros,” Castro said.
Atong Ang immediately denied his alleged involvement in the case of the mising ‘sabungeros’. According to the Chinese-Filipino businessman, alias “Totoy” is allegedly after money. He stressed that he will file a case against his accuser.
According to the Philippine National Police, as of this writing, there is no presence of an arrest warrant against alias “Totoy”. More updates may be posted soon.