Philadelphia-based Rich Businessman Accused of Homicide in the Philippines
In a stunning turn of events, gambling tycoon Charlie "Atong" Ang and his alleged inner circle, known as the "Alpha Group," have been formally charged with multiple murder and serious illegal detention in connection to the disappearance of 34 men linked to cockfighting events in the Philippines since 2022.
The families of these missing men, who had remained silent for years, have now come forward to accuse Ang, members of the Alpha Group, and certain police officers of abducting, murdering, and illegally detaining these individuals.
The timeline of events reveals that the disappearances of the sabungeros began around 2022, with victims vanishing under mysterious circumstances after cockfighting events. On August 1, 2025, families of the missing sabungeros filed complaints against Ang, identified members of his Alpha Group, and implicated police officers.
At the heart of the case is Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, a whistleblower and former employee who provided detailed affidavits describing the methods, timing, and locations of the alleged abductions and killings. Patidongan also implicated senior officials such as retired Lt. Gen. Jonnel Estomo as members of the Alpha Group.
According to Patidongan, the missing men were abducted, strangled to death, and their bodies disposed of, with killings reportedly ordered by Ang to prevent cheating and business losses in cockfighting betting operations.
The Department of Justice has confirmed receipt of the complaints, with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla emphasizing ongoing investigations. The government has conducted search and retrieval operations, including collecting DNA samples from families and examining dental records to identify remains.
Ang has vigorously denied all involvement, labeling the accusations as fabricated by Patidongan, whom he accuses of orchestrating the crimes and making false claims to cover his own offenses. Ang has filed countercharges against Patidongan and another former employee for grave threats and slander.
The Interior and Local Government Secretary has vowed accountability for anyone implicated, regardless of rank, reinforcing that no one involved, including government officials linked to the Alpha Group, would be immune from prosecution if evidence warrants it.
The court has not yet reached a verdict in this case, and a special panel will examine the complaint, with hearings set to begin shortly. A leaked list, allegedly originating from a whistleblower's affidavit, is gaining popularity on social media, naming law enforcement officials and elected officials as alleged accomplices in the disappearances.
The relatives of these men have renewed hope after years of silence, with the formal filing of charges marking a significant step in their pursuit of justice. Patidongan's statements form the core of the complaint against Ang, and the department is committed to due process in this high-profile case.
- The ongoing legal proceedings in the Philippines revolve around allegations of crime and justice, as gambling tycoon Charlie "Atong" Ang and his associates face charges for multiple murder and illegal detention, while politics come into play with allegations of government officials being implicated.
- In the general news sphere, social media is buzzing with a leaked list that names law enforcement officials and elected officials, implicating them as alleged accomplices in the disappearance of 34 men connected to cockfighting events since 2022. The families of these men, now hopeful for justice, are following the court proceedings closely.
