Whistleblower claims cops got over P2-M monthly from Ang’s camp in missing sabungero case

MANILA — Whistleblower Julie Patidongan has alleged that several police officers received monthly bribes amounting to over P2 million from the camp of businessman Atong Ang, in connection with the case of missing cockfight enthusiasts. 

Patidongan, a former aide of Atong Ang, made the revelation in an interview with ABS-CBN News, claiming that the bribe was distributed among police officers involved in the alleged abductions and killings of cockfighting players.

He said that a police lieutenant colonel was receiving P2 million monthly bribe while the rest of the officers share the remaining P500,000.

“P500,000 lang yan sa isang grupo. Sa isang entry P500,000 lang talaga. Ipa-paabot sa akin yan, gawa ng team leader nila ay may monthly na 2 million pesos. Police lieutenant colonel ang team leader, kumpare ko pa," he said.

Aside from the lieutenant colonel, he identified the other officers involved as holding various ranks, including a lieutenant, executive master sergeant, staff master sergeant, staff sergeant, and corporal.

Patidongan also dismissed rumors implicating high-ranking officials in the scandal.

"Nililink lang talaga ang NBI pero walang NBI na involved. Director Santiago 'wag kayo magpadala gawa-gawa lang yan ni Mr. Atong Ang para siraan ako sa inyo," he said.

ABS-CBN News has reached out to Ang’s camp for comment, but they have yet to respond as of posting.

Patidongan also defended a man named Alan Bantiles, also known as “Brown,” who has been accused by Ang in multiple complaints. He said that Bantiles is innocent.

“Kinasama ng loob ko na pati yung tao na walang kasalanan dinawit niya dito," said Patidongan.

In a sworn affidavit, Atong Ang stated that during the investigation into the missing sabungeros, Patidongan personally approached him to deny all accusations. Ang claimed he provided legal and financial support to Patidongan at the time.

“During the pendency of the investigation, Dondon personally approached me and vehemently denied all the allegations leveled against him. "Out of goodwill and a sense of responsibility as his former employer, I extended legal assistance to aid in his defense and also provided financial support to help sustain his family during this difficult period,” he stated in the affidavit.

However, Ang later accused Patidongan and Bantiles of plotting to kidnap and kill him, extort ransom money, and rob his properties.

The affidavit also stated that Bantiles was allegedly tasked with acquiring fake passports and visas for the group’s escape plan.

"Dondon openly discussed to carry out a grave and calculated criminal scheme that included the kidnapping and eventual murder of my person, the extortion of ransom money from my family, and the commission of robbery in my various residences. In addition, Brown was also assigned to procure passports and visas for Dondon and his cohorts to facilitate their escape from the country once they have completed their heinous acts" as stated in the affidavit.

Patidongan has denied all accusations. He further claimed that in 2021, Ang allegedly provided him with a fake passport to prevent him from testifying against his former boss.

"Nakarating ako ng Singapore, Cambodia, Europe gamit ang pekeng passport na pinagawa ni Mr. Atong Ang. Hinahunting na ako. Gusto lang ako makuha para ikanta ko si Mr. Atong Ang,” he said.

Patidongan confirmed that he has been under the protective custody of the Philippine National Police (PNP) for several weeks and is now cooperating with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to finalize his affidavit.

“Nagpapasalamat ako kay Sir torre. Simula noong lumantad na ako, binigyan na niya ako security," he said.

Patidongan also revealed plans to file charges against Atong Ang in the coming days.