DOJ subpoenas suspects in sabungeros’ case

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday said it has issued subpoenas against businessman Atong Ang, actress Gretchen Barretto, several police officers and others linked to the disappearances of “sabungeros” or cockfighting aficionados.

“Their subpoenas have been issued based on the preliminary report given by the NPS (National Prosecution Service) against the 59 or 60 respondents in the case of the missing sabungeros,” DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said at a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing.

“Because there are a lot of them and we usually serve [the subpoenas] personally, the service is still ongoing,” he added.

Ang, Barretto and the police officers were linked to the case by the businessman’s former employee, whistleblower Julie Patidongan.

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Based on Patidongan’s affidavit, relatives of the sabungeros filed a complaint for multiple murder and serious illegal detention with the DOJ against Ang, members of the so-called “Alpha Group,” and some police officers.