Manila: Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced that businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto are being investigated by the Department of Justice (DOJ) after being implicated in the disappearance of several cockfight enthusiasts, known locally as 'sabungeros'.

According to Philippines News Agency, the investigation follows allegations made by Julie Patidongan, also known as Totoy, who accused Ang of masterminding the abductions and linked Barretto to the disappearances. Remulla stated that both individuals would be included as suspects in the DOJ's ongoing probe. "They will be included. Because they were named, then we will have to include them as suspects," he noted. The DOJ will have a group of fiscals evaluate all the evidence to determine the appropriate charges.

In response to the allegations, Ang has denied any involvement and filed a complaint against Patidongan with the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor's Office. Ang asserted that Patidongan, along with another former employee, attempted to extort PHP300 million from him by threatening to implicate him in the case.

Meanwhile, Remulla mentioned that experts are considering strategies for investigating Taal Lake after Patidongan claimed that the remains of over a hundred individuals, including the missing sabungeros, were disposed of in the lake.