Businessman and gaming operator Charlie Tiu Hay Sy Ang, more popularly known as Atong Ang, on Friday appeared before the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs’ continuation of its investigation into the disappearance of more than 30 online cockfight enthusiasts.
Ang’s Lucky 8 Star Quest Inc., operates the three arenas where the most of the missing “sabungeros” were last seen, Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, head of the Senate public order panel, reiterated during the Senate probe.
His name surfaced during last week’s hearing of the committee, after a video showing him warning agents who are allegedly soliciting bets through illegal sites was presented to the committee by one of the victim’s relatives.
Ang, however, denied his involvement in the disappearance of the more than 30 persons who appeared to have been abducted.
He also bewailed that his company has been considered guilty through “trial by publicity” because of the incident and the Senate’s hearing.
Ang has requested the panel to grant him an “executive session” where he can bare more details about the incident.
During the hearing, Ang mentioned six personalities whom he said is also involved in the disappearance of the cockfight players, mentioning the name of fellow online cockfighting operator Rodolfo “Bong” Pineda.
"Kung talagang guilty kami ititigil ko to, kung guilty ang kumpanya namin, pero papatunayan ko sa inyo na may conspiracy nga dito (If we are really guilty here, I will stop this. If we are guilty. But I will prove that there is a conspiracy here),” Ang told the Senate panel.
He also mentioned the possible involvement of ex-congressman Patrick Antonio, Mayor Elan Nagaño, Cong. Arnulfo "Arnie" Teves Jr. and ex-Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Camilo Cascolan.