(UPDATE) THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed that an immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) has been issued against more than 50 individuals linked to the disappearance of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts, or “sabungeros,” including gambling tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the ILBO was issued against persons identified by whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, who has previously alleged that Ang orchestrated the abductions four years ago.

Lookout bulletins out vs Atong Ang, Barretto

Patidongan also linked Barretto and other members of the so-called “Alpha Group” of Pitsmasters, operators of online cockfighting games, to the case.

“We already have a lookout bulletin; it’s already there. The names mentioned by Patidongan have been issued lookout bulletins,” Remulla said.

He added that one of the suspects, reportedly Ang’s brother, had already left the country, though it was unclear whether he had returned.

Patidongan claimed the victims were killed after allegedly being caught cheating during cockfighting games, with their remains reportedly dumped in Taal Lake in Batangas.

Lookout bulletins out vs Atong Ang, Barretto

According to the whistleblower, the abductions were premeditated and carried out systematically, targeting individuals who were suspected of rigging matches and undermining the operations of the Alpha Group.

The families of the missing sabungeros filed a complaint on Aug. 1 for multiple murder and serious illegal detention against Ang, several police officers, and members of his inner circle.

The complaint alleges that the victims were forcibly taken from various locations, confined in undisclosed places, and ultimately executed.

The families claim that attempts to report the disappearances to local authorities were met with intimidation, allegedly due to the influence and connections of the suspects.

While an ILBO does not prevent individuals from leaving the country, it instructs immigration officers to closely monitor their travel, including their destinations and purpose of travel, to ensure authorities are alerted to any attempt to leave the Philippines.

Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon said the DOJ is set to begin a preliminary investigation, with subpoenas expected to be issued to over 60 respondents next week.

“We will study if there is a basis to anticipate that any of them might leave the country, or if there is that danger, then the prosecutors handling the case can apply for a preventive hold departure order,” Fadullon said.

The DOJ’s move to issue lookout bulletins and initiate a preliminary investigation comes after careful evaluation of the complaint and supporting evidence submitted by the families of the missing sabungeros. Legal observers say the case is unprecedented in scope, involving high-profile figures in both the gambling and entertainment industries, and is likely to test the government’s capacity to hold influential individuals accountable.

The preliminary investigation will also determine whether further measures, such as freezing assets or placing additional travel restrictions, are warranted to prevent the suspects from evading justice.

Authorities have emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and are calling on anyone with information about the disappearances to come forward., This news data comes from:http://xexds.gyglfs.com