Atong Ang attends Senate probe on missing ‘sabungeros’

Gaming tycoon Charlie "Atong" Ang on Friday attended the Senate investigation into the disappearances of 31 missing "sabungeros" or cockfighting enthusiasts.

The businessman was unable to attend the first hearing of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs last Friday due to health reasons.

Earlier, Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who chairs the committee, explained that Ang is vital in the investigation as he owns the three cockfighting arenas where some of the missing sabungeros were last seen.

Ang is the vice president of Luck 8 Star Quest Inc., one of the gaming companies given a license to operate by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Last Monday, proposed Senate Resolution 996, signed by 23 senators, was filed in the Senate.

The resolution urges PAGCOR to suspend online sabong's license to operate and stop all activities related to it until the cases of missing sabungeros are resolved.

Apart from Lucky 8 Star Quest Inc., the resolution also seeks the suspension of e-sabong licenses of Belvedere Vista Corp., Visayas Cockers Club Inc., Jade Entertainment And Gaming Technologies, Inc., Newin Cockers Alliance Gaming Corp., Philippine Cockfighting International Inc., and  Golden Buzzer, Inc.

The Philippine National Police earlier confirmed there were six incidents involving 31 individuals reported missing by their relatives after they visited cockpit arenas in Manila and Southern Luzon.

In February, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said they are already coordinating with Ang in the investigation of the missing sabungeros.—AOL, GMA News