By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it is investigating a police operation in Talisay City, Negros Occidental that uncovered an illegal “e-sabong” (online cockfighting) facility that may be linked to fugitive businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has also ordered a probe into a police major’s possible ties to the e-sabong operation.
“Dalawa ang pinupuntahan ng investigation ng CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group). ‘Yung possible link kay Atong Ang sa nasabing operations at ‘yun pong link naman ng nasabing police major kay Atong Ang bilang operator niya sa sinasabing e-sabong (The CIDG investigation is looking into two areas: the possible link to Atong Ang in the said operation and the link of the police major to Atong Ang as his operator in the alleged e-sabong),” Tuaño said in a press briefing.
Thirty individuals were arrested during the CIDG raid on April 22.
CIDG spokesperson Maj. Helen dela Cruz said the Bacolod-based police major has been relieved and is now at the PNP headquarters for investigation. She said the major previously served as a CIDG provincial officer in the Negros Island Region.
The probe also covers a March 24 CIDG operation in Tondo, Manila that dismantled another alleged e-sabong site.
Courts in Laguna and Batangas have issued non-bailable warrants against Ang for kidnapping and serious illegal detention tied to the disappearance of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts.
Twenty of Ang’s co-accused are already in custody, while the Department of the Interior and Local Government is offering a PHP20-million reward for his arrest.
Tuaño said manhunt operations against Ang are ongoing. (PNA)
