DOJ to pursue cases vs Atong Ang

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) will continue to pursue the cases filed against gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang even if some families of the missing cockfight enthusiasts or sabungeros have expressed their lack of interest in pursuing the case.

Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon confirmed that some families and complainants appeared to have lost their interest in the cases.

“It is quite unfortunate that some of the families are no longer interested in attending the hearings despite all the efforts being done by the government,” Fadullon said in a message to reporters.

Fadullon said that the people who backpedaled from the cases “were the very same complainants who were very vocal during the time the cases were undergoing preliminary investigation.”

“It must be remembered that while they are the complainants, they are mere witnesses in these cases. The real aggrieved party is the State and it will, through the DOJ, continue with the prosecution of all involved despite the complainants’ unexplained lack of interest,” he said.

On Friday, the relatives of at least five missing sabungeros filed before the DOJ a complaint for obstruction of justice against Ang’s lawyer, Caroline Cruz, and three others.

Charlene Lasco, sister of missing sabungero Ricardo Lasco, accused the four of giving up to “P40,000 in monthly allowance and other perks” to each of 20 families.

She claimed that the goal was to prevent them from attending hearings in the courts in Batangas and Laguna.

Diane Loyola, whose husband disappeared in February 2022, said only three out of 19 families were present during a hearing at a court in Sta. Cruz, Laguna last month.

According to earlier reports, Cruz offered P20,000 twice a month as a form of “apology” for the “hassle” experienced by the complainants.

Cruz has denied the allegation, saying her “conscience is clear.”

Police are hunting Ang after the courts in Laguna and Batangas issued warrants for his arrest over charges of kidnapping, serious illegal detention and homicide, which are all linked to the disappearance and suspected killing of the missing sabungeros.