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Gaming Tycoon Atong Ang Not Arrested, Death Penalty Claim Debunked
A false report claiming that gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang has been arrested and sentenced to death has been circulating on social media platforms, misleading thousands of Filipinos following the high-profile case of missing cockfighters.
The fabricated claim appeared on YouTube channel “TRENDING PINAS NEWS” on January 17, presenting itself as breaking news with the sensational headline: “Just in! Atong Ang cried, already caught, death by hanging was imposed. Wealth did nothing.” The video featured a manipulated thumbnail showing Ang handcuffed by police officers, with his face digitally altered using artificial intelligence to appear emotional behind bars.
However, an investigation reveals that the video actually contains old footage from July 3, 2025, when Ang appeared at the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor’s Office to file complaints against Julie “Dondon” Patidongan and Alan “Brown” Bantiles. The original footage shows Ang walking down stairs surrounded by bodyguards and media – not being arrested as falsely claimed.
The timing of this misinformation coincides with significant legal developments against Ang. On January 13, Branch 26 of the Laguna Regional Trial Court issued an arrest warrant against Ang and 17 other individuals on charges of kidnapping and homicide related to the disappearance of several “sabungeros” or cockfighters. Two days later, the Lipa City Regional Trial Court issued a second arrest warrant against Ang and 20 others.
The case has escalated to the point where the Department of the Interior and Local Government announced a ₱10 million bounty on January 16 for information leading to Ang’s whereabouts. As of this writing, the Philippine Department of Justice has officially declared Ang a “fugitive from justice.”
The investigation into missing cockfighters has drawn national attention after whistleblower testimony claimed that over a hundred sabungeros were killed and disposed of in Taal Lake in Batangas. While human remains were recovered from the lake in mid-2025, forensic testing and DNA analysis have not yet conclusively identified the victims.
Media literacy experts warn that this type of misinformation, which mimics legitimate breaking news, can significantly distort public understanding of ongoing cases. “This is a classic example of news-cycle disinformation,” said Dr. Maria Santos, a communications professor at the University of the Philippines. “By falsely claiming justice has been served, it creates confusion about the actual status of the case and undermines legitimate reporting.”
The spread of such false information is particularly concerning given the serious nature of the charges against Ang and the other suspects. The cases involve allegations of organized crime connected to the billion-peso cockfighting industry in the Philippines.
Social media platforms have been struggling to contain the spread of similar misleading content, with YouTube facing particular criticism for allowing channels that consistently publish false information to remain active. Digital rights advocates are calling for more stringent content moderation policies.
Authorities continue to search for Ang, whose legal representatives have not issued any public statements regarding his whereabouts or the charges against him. The Philippine National Police has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any credible information about Ang’s location to help bring him to justice through proper legal channels.
For now, the fact remains that Ang has not been arrested, and claims about a death sentence are entirely fabricated – the Philippines abolished the death penalty in 2006.
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14 Comments
It’s disappointing to see misleading information like this old video of Atong Ang being shared, especially during an ongoing investigation. I’ll be sure to cross-check any claims against reliable sources before forming my own opinions.
Agreed. Responsible reporting and fact-checking are essential to maintaining public trust and avoiding the spread of harmful rumors or misinformation.
It’s concerning to see fabricated claims about high-profile individuals like Atong Ang. Spreading misinformation, even if it’s an old video, can have serious consequences. I hope the authorities are able to quickly address this issue.
Agreed. Fact-checking and verifying information is crucial, especially for news related to ongoing investigations. Responsible journalism and media literacy are key to combating the spread of false claims.
The timing of this old video resurfacing during the Atong Ang manhunt is suspicious. I’ll be curious to see if the authorities address this misinformation and provide clarity on the actual developments in the case.
The timing of this misleading video is quite suspicious, given the developments in the Atong Ang case. While I’m curious about the details, I’ll wait for official sources to report on the facts before drawing any conclusions.
It’s important to be vigilant about misinformation, especially when it involves high-profile figures like Atong Ang. Verifying the source and context of videos and claims is crucial to avoid spreading falsehoods.
Absolutely. Fact-checking should be a priority, rather than relying on sensational or unverified information. Maintaining a critical eye is key to staying informed on complex issues like this.
It’s concerning to see manipulated footage being shared, even if it’s an old video of Atong Ang. Maintaining a critical eye and verifying information from reliable sources is crucial, especially for high-profile cases like this.
Absolutely. Fact-checking and responsible reporting are essential to ensuring the public has access to accurate, up-to-date information and to prevent the spread of harmful misinformation.
The circulation of an old video during the Atong Ang manhunt is concerning. I hope the authorities are able to quickly address this misinformation and provide the public with accurate, up-to-date information on the case.
Interesting that an old video of Atong Ang is circulating during the current manhunt. Misinformation seems to spread quickly, even with high-profile cases like this. I wonder what the motivations are behind sharing this manipulated footage.
Yes, it’s important to fact-check claims, especially when they seem sensational. Misleading the public with doctored videos is irresponsible and can sow confusion.
The circulation of this old video during the Atong Ang manhunt raises a lot of questions. I’ll be following this story closely and relying on authoritative sources to stay informed on the latest developments.