Prominent businessman Tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang has filed multiple criminal complaints against the alleged whistleblower in the case of the cockfighting enthusiasts, accusing him of extortion and other serious offenses.
According to the report of RH Edniel Parrosa, Atty. Lorna Kapunan, Ang’s legal counsel, said that five criminal charges were filed before the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office against Julie Patidongan, also known by the alias “Totoy,” and Alan Bantiles, alias “Brown.”
The charges include attempted robbery with violence and intimidation, grave threat, grave coercion, incriminating innocent persons, and slander.
In a press briefing on Thursday, July 3, Ang said Totoy was once like a son to him and previously worked as a farm manager in his operations in Batangas, Laguna, and Manila.
However, he said he had no choice but to take legal action to protect himself and his group.
"Dahil nga sa extortion tinatawagan nila ang isa't isa, ang hindi magbibigay 'yun ang sasabihin niyang pangalan. Originally, ang sinasabi niya parang 15, 16, 17 ngayon apat na lang kami," he stressed.
Ang also revealed that he had previously given Patidongan P12 million to support the latter’s failed bid for mayor in Barobo, Surigao del Sur.
Following this, Ang claimed Patidongan demanded P300 million in exchange for staying silent and leaving the issue alone.
Atty. Kapunan further alleged that Patidongan himself has a criminal background, citing past cases involving sexual harassment, frustrated murder, robbery with physical injuries, and grave threats.
Despite their past relationship, Ang firmly denied having any involvement in the disappearance of the cockfighting enthusiasts, a case that has haunted authorities and the public since 2021.
"Yung side namin wala kaming nalalaman niyan, hindi ko alam si Julie, si Dondon kung ano ang magiging resulta ng imbestigasyon wala akong masasabi diyan," said Ang.
Ang stated that this case represents a "betrayal of trust, a weaponization of falsehoods, and a deliberate assault" on his dignity, family name, and livelihood
"I will not allow myself to be coerced or intimidated into paying an exorbitant amount of money in exchange for silence over a fabricated narrative. I have done nothing wrong, and I will not dignify their lies and extortion attempts with compliance," Ang said in the Complaint-Affidavit, denying the whistleblower claims of linking his name to missing sabungeros.
On the other hand, Patidongan is among the six individuals previously arrested and accused in the 2021 disappearance of several sabungeros.
Bantiles, meanwhile, is said to have acted as the intermediary in the alleged extortion attempt against Ang.
Patidongan earlier accused Ang of masterminding the disappearances and killings of cockfighting enthusiasts.
