BUSINESSMAN Atong Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto have been identified as suspects in the case of the missing “sabungeros” or online cockfighters, the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed Thursday.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said the pair will be included in the list of suspects following testimonies implicating them in the high-profile disappearance case.
“They will be included because they were named. We have to include them as suspects,” Remulla said in a media interview. He added that prosecutors will soon assess the evidence to determine the appropriate charges to be filed. “It will happen sooner than later,” he assured.
The DOJ is currently building a case against Ang and Barretto, though Remulla admitted the probe is facing obstacles due to the alleged influence and resources of those involved.
“There are powerful connections and a lot of money at play,” the justice chief noted, adding that certain testimonies still need verification.
He also mentioned a group of 20 individuals reportedly involved in e-sabong operations, calling them the “alpha group” behind the scenes.
In response to the accusations, Ang filed a complaint Thursday against the whistleblower who claimed he orchestrated the disappearances.
Ang dismissed the allegations as a ploy for extortion, saying the accuser was only after financial gain.
The case of the missing sabungeros, which shocked the nation in recent years, remains one of the most sensitive and closely watched investigations related to the now-banned e-sabong industry.