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The manhunt for gambling tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang intensified this week as authorities expanded their search to Cambodia, contradicting false social media claims that he has already been captured and sentenced to death.
Ang, who owns Lucky 8 Star Quest, remains a fugitive following a Laguna court’s arrest warrant issued on January 14. He faces serious charges of kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping with serious illegal detention in connection with the mysterious disappearance of at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts, locally known as “sabungeros,” in 2022.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that Philippine National Police personnel have been deployed to Cambodia following intelligence reports suggesting Ang may have fled there. The gambling tycoon has been officially labeled as the country’s “most wanted criminal,” with authorities offering a substantial P10 million reward for information leading to his arrest.
The case has garnered significant public attention, with misleading information spreading rapidly online. A video posted on January 17 by YouTube channel “TRENDING PINAS NEWS” falsely claimed Ang had been captured and sentenced to death by hanging. The sensationalist thumbnail showed manipulated images of Ang behind bars and in handcuffs. Despite these claims in the title and visuals, the video’s actual narration never mentioned his capture or sentencing.
The allegations are demonstrably false on multiple levels. Not only is Ang still at large, but the Philippines abolished the death penalty in 2006 under Republic Act No. 9346. No Philippine court has the legal authority to issue a death sentence regardless of the crime’s severity.
The disappearance of the cockfighting enthusiasts represents one of the most troubling missing persons investigations in recent Philippine history. The victims vanished without a trace from various cockfighting arenas operated by Ang’s company, raising serious concerns about organized crime within the popular gambling pastime.
Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, Ang’s former employee, provided crucial testimony that implicated the gambling tycoon as the alleged mastermind behind the disappearances. This evidence, combined with other investigative findings, led Department of Justice prosecutors to determine there was prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty for conviction.
While Ang remains free, several of his co-accused have already been apprehended and are in police custody. Law enforcement agencies have launched a nationwide manhunt, deploying significant resources to locate the businessman who has extensive connections within the gambling industry.
The case highlights the ongoing issues with misinformation on social media platforms, where sensationalist headlines and manipulated images are often used to drive engagement regardless of factual accuracy. The video in question had accumulated over 11,000 views and nearly 300 likes before being flagged for its false claims.
Cockfighting, a traditional blood sport deeply embedded in Filipino culture, has evolved into a multi-billion-peso industry in the Philippines, particularly with the rise of online betting during the pandemic. The disappearance of the sabungeros has cast a shadow over the industry and raised questions about regulation and criminal influence.
As the search for Ang continues across international borders, families of the missing sabungeros remain in limbo, still seeking answers about the fate of their loved ones nearly two years after their disappearance.
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12 Comments
The disappearance of 34 people is a tragic and disturbing development. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the missing individuals.
I hope the authorities can uncover the truth and provide closure for the victims’ families.
This is a serious case involving the disappearance of many people. I hope the authorities can locate the gambling tycoon and bring him to justice, if the allegations prove true.
The reward money offered is substantial, so hopefully this will motivate someone to provide information leading to his arrest.
It’s concerning to see misinformation spreading about this case. I appreciate the fact-checking efforts to correct the false claims around the gambling operator’s sentencing.
Spreading false information can hinder the investigation, so I’m glad the authorities are working to set the record straight.
The alleged involvement of a high-profile gambling operator in this case raises serious concerns about the potential links between organized crime and the gaming industry.
I hope this incident prompts a thorough review of industry practices and the implementation of more robust safeguards.
This case highlights the need for stronger enforcement of laws and regulations in the gambling industry, especially when it comes to the protection of vulnerable individuals.
It’s crucial that the authorities leave no stone unturned in their investigation to ensure justice is served.
The gambling industry can sometimes be a breeding ground for criminal activity. I hope this case serves as a wake-up call for tighter regulation and oversight in the sector.
Gambling operations should be held to high standards of transparency and accountability to protect the public.