The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued subpoenas to businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, and other individuals named as respondents in the criminal complaints related to the disappearance of several “sabungeros” (cockfight enthusiasts).
DOJ Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV confirmed the development during an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon aired Wednesday, Sept. 10.
“We started serving subpoenas yesterday and are continuing to do so today,” Clavano said. When asked if Ang was among those served, Clavano responded: “Definitely, after this, he would have already been served.”
Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto were identified by the families of the missing sabungeros in criminal complaints filed before the DOJ, which include charges of multiple murder and serious illegal detention.
Both Ang and Barretto have denied the allegations.
Clavano stated that the DOJ aims to complete the service of all subpoenas by the end of the day. The subpoenas require the respondents to appear before a panel of DOJ prosecutors for a preliminary investigation, which will determine whether formal charges will be filed in court. However, Clavano did not specify when the investigation will begin.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) continues its search operations in Taal Lake, Batangas, for possible remains of the missing individuals.
Clavano reported that the PCG recently recovered another set of human skeletal remains from the lakebed.
The search is based on the testimony of whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, who alleged that several sabungeros were killed and their bodies dumped into the lake. (Jeffrey Damicog)
