Senate panel to subpoena Atong Ang over missing sabungeros

The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs will subpoena gaming tycoon Charlie "Atong" Ang after he failed to appear at a committee hearing on 31 missing "sabungeros" or cockfighting enthusiasts.

"Siya ang may ari ng tatlong arena kung saan nawawala ang mga tao," said Committee Chairperson Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa in Ian Cruz's Saturday "24 Oras Weekend" report.

Ang said that he was unable to attend the hearings because of his health.

But he promised the Senate committee that if his health improves, he would appear at the next panel hearing.

As of Wednesday, the number of missing cockfight enthusiasts from different places was 31.

The PNP initially reported an incident involving four men who were reported missing after participating in a cockfight game in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, on January 13.

That same day, six men also went missing after participating in a cockfighting tournament in Manila.

When the CIDG investigation started, more reports of missing cockfight enthusiasts came in, like the 10 individuals in Bulacan who disappeared eight months ago after attending a match at the same arena in Sta. Cruz.

The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs started its hearings on the missing cockfight enthusiasts last Thursday. — DVM, GMA News