🔍 Special Report: The Controversies Surrounding Atong Ang — From Jueteng to the Disappearance of Sabungeros

Charlie “Atong” Ang is a name long associated with gambling, politics, and controversy in the Philippines. He has figured prominently in national headlines since the early 2000s — from alleged involvement in the jueteng underworld and connections to the impeachment of former President Joseph Estrada, to more recent allegations surrounding missing e-sabong (online cockfighting) bettors.

While some view him as a powerful businessman operating within legal bounds, others have accused him of using influence in ways that led to criminal speculation. This comprehensive feature outlines the major controversies linked to Ang over the years, exploring the facts, denials, legal actions, and public perception.

📍 1. Early Allegations: Jueteng and the Estrada Impeachment (2000–2001)

In 2000, Atong Ang first entered the national spotlight when he was linked to the alleged jueteng scandal involving then-President Joseph “Erap” Estrada. The accusations claimed that Estrada had accepted bribes from illegal gambling operations, with Ang alleged to be one of the main conduits.

In 2001, during Estrada’s impeachment trial, Ang fled the country amid fears of arrest and possible prosecution. He was eventually extradited from the United States back to the Philippines.

Ang would later enter into a plea bargain with the Philippine government, admitting to lesser charges in exchange for cooperation. This incident not only cemented his public image as a “gambling czar,” but also sparked ongoing curiosity and suspicion around his business dealings.

📍 2. Deep Ties to Legal Gambling: The Small Town Lottery (STL)

Following the Estrada-era scandal, Ang gradually reemerged — this time linked to Small Town Lottery (STL), a government-run alternative to illegal jueteng under the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

STL was introduced as a way to legalize local betting and generate funds for charity. Critics, however, argued that STL was merely jueteng with a new name — and that figures like Ang remained influential behind the scenes.

Ang denied operating STL but confirmed that he had a business proposal related to STL under his company Meridien Vista Gaming Corporation. According to reports, Meridien’s operations were originally allowed under special arrangements in Cagayan Freeport. But critics claimed it had expanded beyond permitted areas, potentially violating regulations.

In 2019, under the Duterte administration, President Rodrigo Duterte suspended STL operations nationwide, citing “massive corruption.” While Ang’s name was not explicitly mentioned in formal government findings, his perceived ties to STL reignited debate on gambling regulation and political protection.

📍 3. The Rise of E-Sabong and Ang’s Role

In 2020–2022, a new form of betting captured national attention: e-sabong, or online cockfighting. With in-person arenas limited due to the pandemic, the digital version of the sport gained rapid popularity.

Charlie Ang was again identified as a major player in this space. Reports linked him to licensed operations under authorized e-sabong platforms. Some sources described him as one of the largest financiers in the e-sabong industry.

However, e-sabong quickly became a source of concern for the public:

Allegations of addiction, even among minors
Reports of e-sabong-related debt, crime, and domestic problems
And most significantly — a wave of disappearances involving sabungeros (cockfighters or bettors)

📍 4. The Missing Sabungeros Case: 2021–2022

Between April 2021 and January 2022, at least 34 sabungeros were reported missing across Luzon. Many of them were last seen entering cockfighting arenas or being picked up by unknown individuals.

The disappearances shocked the nation and prompted Senate hearings. Some families believed that the victims were abducted due to alleged match-fixing or disputes within the e-sabong ecosystem.

While the government launched formal investigations, rumors spread that powerful figures might be involved in orchestrating or covering up these disappearances. Among the names whispered — again — was Atong Ang.

At the time, Ang categorically denied any involvement, insisting he operated a legitimate business and had nothing to do with missing persons. Authorities did not charge him with any offense related to the case.

However, this would change in 2025.

📍 5. 2025 Whistleblower Bombshell: New Accusations from a Former Insider

In July 2025, a man named Julie “Totoy” Patidongan, who claimed to be Ang’s former farm and security chief, came forward with explosive allegations.

Speaking to media and authorities, Patidongan alleged that:

Atong Ang was the “mastermind” behind the disappearances of over 100 sabungeros.
Orders were given to silence or “neutralize” those who were allegedly cheating in betting operations.
Some victims were allegedly disposed of under Taal Lake, suggesting possible foul play.

He also implicated other figures, including Eric dela Rosa and Celso Salazar, as collaborators in the alleged operations.

📍 6. Atong Ang Responds: Denials and Counter-Lawsuits

Immediately following Patidongan’s claims, Atong Ang held a press conference where he strongly denied all allegations.

He stated that:

He never ordered harm to anyone.
He never paid money for any form of silence.
The ₱300 million offer discussed by Patidongan was not a bribe, but a “humanitarian relocation fund” for families in distress.

In turn, Ang filed five criminal charges against the whistleblowers, including:

Grave threats
Slander
Coercion
Conspiracy to commit robbery
Incriminating an innocent person

His legal team argued that the whistleblowers were merely attempting to extort money in exchange for withdrawing their claims.

📍 7. DOJ and National Agencies Begin Deeper Investigations

In response to the 2025 developments, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla described the situation as part of a broader “corporate-style network of disappearances,” suggesting a potentially systematic operation.

Remulla ordered:

Deep-dives into financial records of individuals and corporations tied to e-sabong
Drone and underwater surveillance in Taal Lake
Collaboration with international agencies to locate evidence

The PNP and NBI were placed on standby to pursue forensic search efforts, including possible use of underwater robotics if required.

📍 8. Gretchen Barretto and Celebrity Links

Another surprising twist was the mention of actress Gretchen Barretto in Patidongan’s allegations.

According to the whistleblower, Barretto allegedly had knowledge or proximity to the operations, though no direct accusation was made against her.

Barretto has not issued a public statement in response. Her name appearing in this context drew significant media attention, given her public visibility and ties to Ang.

📍 9. Public Reaction: Caution, Curiosity, and Conspiracy

As the story unfolds, public opinion remains divided:

Some believe Ang is being targeted unfairly, pointing to his long history of business dealings and lack of formal convictions.
Others suspect that deep networks of influence may be shielding him from accountability.
Many simply want closure — particularly the families of missing sabungeros who have waited years for answers.

Meanwhile, the case continues to trend on social media platforms, with hashtags like #SabungerosJustice, #AtongAng, and #TaalLakeSearch appearing regularly.

📍 10. What Happens Next?

As of July 2025, no formal charges have been filed against Atong Ang in connection with the sabungeros case.

However:

The DOJ’s probe is ongoing, with promises of transparency.
Law enforcement is preparing to explore underwater leads at Taal Lake.
The legal battle between Ang and his former employee may reveal further details.

The truth — if and when it is uncovered — will have lasting implications not only for Atong Ang but for the regulation of gambling, whistleblower protection, and justice in high-profile cases.

🧾 Conclusion: Influence, Power, and the Search for Truth

Charlie “Atong” Ang’s name has hovered around some of the biggest gambling-related controversies in Philippine history. While he has consistently denied wrongdoing, and often counters allegations with lawsuits, public suspicion persists.

The challenge now lies in fact-finding and fair investigation — with the hope that truth, not influence, will prevail. As justice institutions intensify their efforts, the Filipino public watches closely, waiting for answers to one of the country’s most unsettling modern mysteries.

📚 Related Articles (External Reading)

Timeline of the 2021–2022 Missing Sabungeros Case
What Is Jueteng? Understanding the Underground Lottery
STL Controversy Explained: From Meridien to Suspension
DOJ to Use Underwater Drones in Taal Lake Probe
Atong Ang Files Charges vs. Whistleblower
Who Is Julie “Totoy” Patidongan? Profile of a Whistleblower
E-sabong in the Philippines: Growth

, Regulation, and Risk

The Estrada Impeachment and Gambling Connections