Trisha Anne Segumban 

Julie Dondon Patidongan, identified as Alias “Totoy,” publicly accused businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto of masterminding the disappearance of over 100 cockfighting bettors across the country on July 2. 

Photo Courtesy of Facebook/12-Stag Derby.

Patidongan speaks in an exclusive interview with GMA News reporter Emil Sumangil, revealing his identity as the head of security for Atong Ang’s cockfighting farms for the past 15 years. 

He says Ang, Barretto, and two others serve as the masterminds behind the disappearances. 

“They are all in my affidavit—Mr. Charlie Atong Ang, Ren Erick Dela Rosa, Engr. Celso Salazar,” Patidongan said, claiming they are the masterminds behind the missing sabungeros. 

“Mr. Ang is the chairman of Pitmaster, who gives the final orders to eliminate them,” he added.

Patidongan explains that Dela Rosa monitors betting activities and identifies suspected cheaters, then reports them to Ang, who discusses the matter with Salazar before giving the final instruction to detain the targets. 

He says members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are used to extracting these individuals from the venues. 

When asked why he speaks out only now, Patidongan says he trusts the integrity of current PNP Chief General Romeo Caramat Jr. and believes he cannot be bribed. 

He also discloses that Ang’s group recently offered him P300 million in exchange for signing an affidavit of recantation that would withdraw all his previous statements.

“I refused to sign it,” Patidongan says, “because my life and my family’s safety are at stake.” 

Patidongan confirms that Ang plans to file a complaint affidavit against him on July 3 at the Office of the City Prosecutor in Mandaluyong City. 

“By suing me, is practically suing himself,” Patidongan states, claiming that he only followed Ang’s orders and never engaged in extortion.

He names Gretchen Barretto as “one hundred percent involved,” citing her constant presence with Ang as a reason for her alleged participation. 

Patidongan calls on Barretto to cooperate and appeals to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to support the families of the missing sabungeros. 

“Sir, please listen to the families of the victims—this is the time to help,” he said. 

“Everything I say here is the truth, and I am not being paid for it,” Patidongan stated. 

GMA News obtains copies of the alleged affidavit of recantation, which Patidongan said was sent to him three days ago, and offers him money in exchange for retracting all allegations. 

Patidongan expressed that he began as a bodyguard in Ang’s group before rising to chief of security for cockfighting farms in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces. 

The Philippine National Police (PNP) now provides protection to Patidongan following his public testimony. 

GMA News is still seeking comments from Atong Ang, Gretchen Barretto, and the other individuals named in Patidongan’s affidavit.