Gambling Tycoon Linked to 34 Missing People May Have Fled Philippines

• Police hunt tycoon Atong Ang in missing sabungeros case
• Thirty-four online cockfighting enthusiasts disappeared in 2021-2022
• E-sabong scandal revives scrutiny of Ang’s controversial past

A manhunt is underway in the Philippines for gambling tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang who is wanted in connection with the disappearance of 34 online cockfighting enthusiasts, known as “sabungeros.”

Courts in Laguna and Batangas issued multiple non-bailable warrants against Ang last month on charges that include kidnapping with homicide and serious illegal detention in relation to the disappearances.

But Ang, who runs the e-sabong (online cockfighting) company Lucky 8 Star Quest Inc, has disappeared. Philippine National Police (PNP) said this week they were hunting the fugitive and were coordinating with law-enforcement in Cambodia, where they believe he may be hiding. Immigration officials have said there is no record of Ang departing through legal ports.

Killed for Bout-Rigging?

The missing men each disappeared from Manila and its surrounding provinces in 2021 and 2022. All were gamefowl handlers, aides, helpers, or vehicle drivers involved in the e-sabong industry, which involves the online streaming of cockfights for betting purposes. All are alleged to have been involved in fixing bouts – sabotaging one bird for the benefit of a gambling ring.

The Philippine Department of Justice has said it found prima facie evidence to pursue charges. Ang has denied the allegations, saying he is being framed, and his lawyers dispute the credibility of key witnesses.

E-sabong was banned nationwide in the Philippines in 2022 following public outrage over the disappearances.

Friends in High Places

Ang has long been a controversial figure in the Philippines. In the 1990s, he was closely linked to then-President Joseph Estrada, who was later impeached for corruption and the alleged embezzlement of public funds.

At the time, Ang was involved in “jueteng,” a popular but illegal grassroots numbers game. Despite this, Estrada appointed him as a consultant to Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). This was ostensibly to help curb illegal gambling, but critics said instead it allowed Ang to consolidate influence over the sector.

Ang was charged alongside Estrada and fled the country but was arrested in 2001 while gambling at the Paris Las Vegas. He was later extradited to the Philippines, where he served a prison sentence.