Philippines’ Cockfighting Kingpin on the RunComplex web of ‘sabong justice’ hounds controversial Filipino Chinese gaming figure
A powerful Filipino gaming tycoon accused of complicity in more than 100 murders who has ties to top police officials and judges up to members of the Supreme Court apparently has fled the country, allegedly with the equivalent of P10 billion [US$170 million] in cash, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, raising questions why he wasn’t arrested or brought in for questioning months ago. The wanted man, billionaire Filipino Chinese Charlie Tiu Hay Sy “Atong” Ang, has been on law enforcement radar publicly since 2021 and 2022. Last July, reports began to surface publicly over the macabre disappearances of scores of cockfighting afficionados known as sabungeros alleged to have cheated him during the Covid-19 crisis. They reportedly ended up in sacks at the bottom of the scenic volcanic Lake Taal 70 km south of Manila, around which movie stars, tycoons and politicians have built luxurious homes. The Department of Justice filed multiple criminal cases over the disappearances and presumed killings more than a month ago. “Ang had too many cops in his pocket, before to tip him off, during to help him hide, and after, as they’d drag their feet if ordered to arrest him,” said a Filipino source with connections to the top of the country’s power structure who declined to be named. Of Ang’s 21 co-accused in custody in the murders, 13 were police officers… This is a preview sent to free subscribers like you. The full content of this article is available exclusively to our paid subscribers. Read the full story here. To enjoy the complete Asia Sentinel experience and access more in-depth, independent reporting, please consider subscribing for just US$10/month or US$100/year. Support independent journalism. Subscribe today. This is among the stories/excerpts we choose to make widely available.If you wish to get the full Asia Sentinel experience and access more exclusive content, please do subscribe to us for US$10/month or US$100/year.
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