Businessman Atong Ang has filed a criminal complaint against Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, also known as “Totoy,” and another individual for allegedly trying to extort P300 million from him. Patidongan had previously accused Ang of being the mastermind behind the abduction of missing cockfighting (sabungero) enthusiasts.
Ang, represented by attorney Lorna Patajo-Kapunan, submitted the complaint to the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday. The charges include conspiracy to commit attempted robbery with violence or intimidation, grave threats, grave coercion, slander, and falsely accusing an innocent person.
Attorney Kapunan reaffirmed Ang’s denial of involvement in the disappearances and said the complaint aims to bring the truth to light and show their cooperation with government authorities, including the President and the Justice Department.
She urged officials not to rely on a single, allegedly misleading testimony, emphasizing that the supposed whistleblower is distorting the facts.
Kapunan also revealed that Patidongan allegedly came forward with his claims only after failing to extort money from Ang. According to the complaint, in February, an individual named “Brown” contacted Ang, suggesting he pay P300 million to Patidongan to prevent being implicated in the sabungero case. Ang said he was later informed that Patidongan gave a sworn statement to police linking him to the disappearances.
Ang claimed that Patidongan, during a phone call facilitated by Brown, offered to remain silent in exchange for the money, with Brown allegedly preparing an affidavit of recantation. Ang refused the demand and maintains his innocence.
Patidongan recently told media that Ang was behind the abductions from 2021 to 2022, claiming more than 100 sabungeros were killed. Kapunan, however, dismissed the allegations as lies made in retaliation for not receiving the demanded sum.