MIRDER RAPS FILED VS ATONG ANG, ET AL OVER MISSING ‘SABUNGEROS;’ GRETCHEN BARRETTO PERSON OF INTEREST – DOJ

MURDER and illegal detention charges on Friday were filed against businessman Atong Ang and several others before the Department of Justice (DOJ) by the relatives of the missing “sabungeros.”

Ryan Bautista, the brother of Michael Bautista, was among the families who filed the murder raps against Ang.

In a press conference, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla assured due process for those implicated in the case.

Remulla said there is a witness who testifies to the fact that Ang was involved in the commission of the crimes as the mastermind and as the head of a criminal organization.

Ang has already denied the accusation made by  whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan.

Paridongan was a former employee of Ang.

Remulla also said the murder charge includes a number of John and Jane Does.  He added that actress Gretchen Barretto may be considered a person of interest. 

Barretto also denied the accusations.

Meanwhile, Charlene Lasco, sister of missing “sabungero” Ricardo Lasco, also pointed to Ang and other individuals as the respondents in their complaint.

Earlier, Ang slapped Patidongan with a complaint with the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office for conspiracy to commit attempted robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons, grave threats, grave coercion, slander, and incriminating against innocent persons.

Ang said Patidongan threatened to link him to the disappearance if he refused to pay P300 million while Barretto said she received a similar threat.