Missing Sabungeros Case: Respondents deny payoff claims, allege extortion

​RESPONDENTS in the obstruction of justice complaint linked to the missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) case denied the allegations Friday, claiming their accusers were the ones seeking an out-of-court settlement from Charlie "Atong" Ang in exchange for dropping the case.​Ang is considered the prime suspect in the case because he owned Lucky 8 Star Quest Inc., the e-sabong (online cockfighting) operator where the 34 missing men allegedly rigged matches to the detriment of his betting profits. His former security chief, Julie Patidongan, confessed to authorities that the abductions and killings were executed directly on Ang's orders to punish match-fixing and deter others. Consequently, Philippine courts have issued multiple non-bailable warrants for kidnapping, serious illegal detention and homicide against Ang, triggering an Interpol Red Notice as he remains a fugitive.​In separate counter-affidavits submitted to the Department of Justice on July 17, Cristy Ladao and Jocelyn Dela Cruz denied receiving money from Ang's camp in exchange for dropping or weakening cases against him.​The complaint was filed by relatives of the missing sabungeros, including Ma. Theresa Japag, against Ladao, Dela Cruz, lawyer Caroline Cruz and two others. It alleged that some families were paid to abandon their pursuit of justice. Ang, who was implicated by whistleblower Patidongan, has repeatedly denied the accusations.​Ladao and Dela Cruz admitted meeting Cruz, one of Ang's lawyers, in March and April but said they sought her legal advice and assistance. They insisted Cruz never asked them to withdraw their complaints or stop attending hearings.​The respondents denied that the financial assistance extended to some families was a payoff, saying it was later misrepresented.​They claimed some relatives sought a large out-of-court settlement from Ang's camp in exchange for dropping the case, an allegation Ang's camp has denied.