Who is Atong Ang? Here are some things to know.
Facing arrest warrants, Atong Ang is still free, and here are some details to know about the controversial gambling tycoon.
On January 13, a Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Santa Cruz, Laguna, ordered the arrest of businessman Atong Ang and several others related to the missing sabungeros case. The RTC issue arrest warrant against Ang and 17 others for kidnapping with homicide and kidnapping case.
On January 15, Ang faces a second arrest warrant. This time, it was ordered by an RTC in Lipa City.
Who is Atong Ang?
His real name is Charlie Tiu Hay Sy Ang, and he rose to national prominence in 2001 after being named a co-accused in the impeachment trial of then-President Joseph “Erap” Estrada.
It was Ang who triggered the fallout between Estrada and then Ilocos Sur Governor and jueteng lord Luis “Chavit” Singson after Estrada allegedly allowed Ang to operate the illegal activity, which threatened Singson’s illegal business.
After a failed attempt on Singson’s life, events led to Estrada’s impeachment and removal from office. Singson later turned against Estrada and Ang. He became a key prosecution witness and accused them of taking ₱130 million from tobacco excise taxes.
When Estrada was ousted, Ang fled to the US and was caught gambling in Las Vegas. Ang posted a $300,000 bail, citing political persecution. He stayed in the US under house arrest and was then extradited to the Philippines in 2006.
He entered into a plea bargain, admitting to the lesser offense of corrupting public officials. Ang acknowledged diverting ₱130 million in tobacco excise taxes intended for Ilocos Sur and personally delivering the money to Estrada. This confirmed the testimony of Singson. As part of the agreement, he returned the ₱25 million commission he earned from the scheme.
In 2009, the Sandiganbayan Special Division officially declared Ang’s probation terminated.
In 2010, he was named by late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago as one of the country’s top jueteng operators, which he denied. He admitted to being a gambling lord, but only for legal games.
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