Charlie 'Atong' Ang Confronts Fresh Controversy Over Missing Sabungeros

Strategic Insights -

Former senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago in 2010 tagged Ang and other businessmen and politicians as the top operators of jueteng, which Ang denied, saying he is against illegal gambling.

Charlie 'Atong' Ang, a businessman with a long history of involvement in the Philippines' gaming industry, is set to face another controversy after being named as a suspect in the disappearance of over 100 sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts). Ang has been a prominent figure in the country's gaming industry for decades, with a history of connections to high-profile politicians and businessmen. The latest controversy surrounds allegations made by Julie 'Dondon' Patidongan, a farm manager who claimed that Ang ordered the punishment and subsequent disappearance of the sabungeros.

Key Takeaways:

  • Charlie 'Atong' Ang has been named as a suspect in the disappearance of over 100 sabungeros, with allegations made by Julie 'Dondon' Patidongan that Ang ordered the punishment and disappearance.
  • Ang has a long history of involvement in the Philippines' gaming industry, dating back to his work as a consultant for Meridien Vista Gaming Corporation in the early 2000s.
  • In 2001, Ang was arrested in Las Vegas, Nevada, in relation to an extradition request made by the Philippines, and later returned to the Philippines in 2006.
  • Ang admitted to diverting millions worth of tobacco excise taxes to former President Joseph 'Erap' Estrada and returned P25 million.
  • In 2010, former senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago tagged Ang, along with other businessmen and politicians, as the top operators of jueteng, which Ang denied.
  • Ang has also been involved in the Ultimate Fighting Cock Championship, a cockfighting promotion that he co-established, and has owned theLuckystar Inc. sports betting business.
  • Former President Rodrigo Duterte commented on Ang's activities in 2015, saying he was the 'No. 1 gambler' in Davao City and offering his assistance in 'shaking up' the STL.
  • The Philippines Department of Justice will assess the evidence before determining the cases that will be filed against Ang.

Statistics:

  • Over 100 sabungeros are believed to have been killed and dumped in Taal Lake after being caught cheating in a betting game.
  • Ang's Pitmasters Group, which operates online sabong, had grown significantly in 2020 and 2021, but was shut down in 2022 due to concerns over the safety of bettors and the integrity of the games.
  • P25 million in tobacco excise taxes was returned by Ang after admitting to diverting funds to former President Joseph 'Erap' Estrada.
  • In 2017, Alexander Balutan, general manager of PCSO, alleged that Ang offered P200 million a month to operate STL across the Philippines.

Sources:

  • GMA News
  • Senate of the Philippines
  • Department of Justice of the Philippines
  • Philippine Star
  • News5
  • Rappler
  • Philippine Daily Inquirer
  • Philippine Daily Inquirer