Former Security Chief Claims Inside Knowledge of Multi-Billion Peso E-Sabong Operations

MANILA, Philippines —A man identifying himself only as “Totoy,” the former chief of security for gambling tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang, has come forward with explosive claims linking Ang and actress-businesswoman Gretchen Barretto to the alleged abduction and possible killing of over 100 individuals involved in the e-sabong (online cockfighting) industry.

On-going investigations basing on Totoy’s testimony led to the discovery of several shallow graves at the scenic Taal volcano complex. Totoy said the “missing” sabongeros and several other gambling personnel of Ang were summarily executed and buried there.

In a recent sworn testimony provided to authorities and media outlets, Totoy alleged that the disappearances were tied to internal disputes and power struggles within Ang’s sprawling e-sabong operations, which reportedly earned over ₱300 million per week at its peak. He claimed that those who “crossed” Ang—either by skimming profits, failing to settle debts, or refusing to cooperate—were systematically silenced.

Totoy directly implicated Barretto, who he described as Ang’s close business partner and “financial backer” in several e-sabong ventures. While he did not accuse the actress of ordering any harm, he alleged she was “aware” of the operations and “regularly updated” on high-level decisions, including how to deal with so-called erring bettors or handlers.

“I saw things I cannot unsee. I guarded the houses. I heard the meetings,” Totoy stated in Filipino. “Some of them \[sabongeros] just vanished. Others, we were told, needed to be ‘taken care of.’”

Totoy’s claims have yet to be independently verified. Neither Atong Ang nor Gretchen Barretto has released a public statement as of press time. Calls to their legal representatives went unanswered.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have reportedly reopened parts of the investigation into the e-sabong disappearances following Totoy’s revelations. Senators and victims’ families have also renewed their call for accountability and deeper congressional inquiries into the billion-peso online gambling industry, which was suspended by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2022 due to public outcry over the missing sabungeros.

Social media has since exploded with renewed calls for justice, with hashtags like #JusticeForSabongVictims and #E-SabongTruth trending overnight.

Analysts say the reemergence of the e-sabong controversy could have massive implications not only for Ang and Barretto but also for key government agencies that previously issued operating permits and failed to act on the disappearances.

“This goes beyond gambling. It’s about alleged state-sanctioned neglect of human rights and possible collusion with high-level figures,” said political analyst Rina Reyes.

As the investigation unfolds, Totoy has expressed willingness to testify before the Senate or DOJ under witness protection, saying he fears for his life but “wants to clear his conscience.”

This developing story underscores the dark underbelly of a once-legal, now-notorious billion-peso industry—where profits soared, and human lives were allegedly lost in silence.