Atong Ang tried to influence sabungero probe – Napolcom

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January 29, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Now it can be told. It was gambling tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang who tried to interfere in the National Police Commission (Napolcom)’s probe into the kidnapping and killing of sabungeros or cockfight aficionados.

Napolcom vice chairman and executive officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan said Ang was the “sabong boss” he was referring to in July 2025 as the one who tried to influence the case.

Calinisan said two people tried to interfere in the probe involving 12 active members of the Philippine National Police, one of whom was Ang.

The other is a person linked to a local government executive whose identity was withheld.

Ang reportedly wanted to intercede in the Napolcom’s investigation through a person close to Calinisan after whistleblower Julie Patidongan filed cases against the police officers.

Patidongan tagged Ang as the brains in the killing of the sabungeros.

Calinisan said he was insulted by Ang’s actions, adding that the businessman attempted to “buy them in exchange for a favorable decision on behalf of the police officers.”

“Hindi ako kayang bayaran. Justice is not for sale,” Calinisan said.   – Emmanuel Tupas