BUTUAN CITY – Charlie “Atong” Ang, a figure long associated with political controversy and the gambling industry, first entered the national spotlight in 2001 during the impeachment trial of former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada.
Political Scandal and Exile
Ang was reportedly the root of a major rift between Estrada and then-Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson. The dispute centered around illegal gambling operations, particularly jueteng, which Ang allegedly ran with Estrada’s approval—threatening Singson’s own business interests.
This conflict led Singson to testify against both Estrada and Ang, accusing them of embezzling P130 million from tobacco excise taxes meant for farmers. Following Estrada’s ouster, Ang fled to the United States, where he was arrested for gambling in Las Vegas.
In 2006, he was extradited to the Philippines and entered a plea bargain. He pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of “corrupting public officials” and returned P25 million. After serving a two-year probation, he was formally released in 2009.
Rebranding as Legal Gambling Operator
Despite his past, Ang re-emerged as a major player in the legal gambling industry. He co-founded the Ultimate Fighting Cock Championship (UFCC), a legitimate cockfighting league, and served as a consultant for Meridien Vista Gaming Corporation (MVGC), which operates jai alai in the Cagayan Special Economic Zone.
In 2017, Ang accused then-Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon of plotting to kill him over a power struggle in small-town lottery operations. The issue subsided following a meeting with Aguirre, and Ang expressed his support for then-President Rodrigo Duterte, who later referred to him as the country’s “number one gambler.”
Showbiz, Controversy, and New Allegations
In 2024, Ang once again drew public attention — this time for confirming a romantic relationship with actress Sunshine Cruz after videos of them kissing went viral on social media.
But in July 2025, Ang made headlines again — and this time, under far graver circumstances. The Department of Justice (DOJ) named both Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto as suspects in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of 34 missing sabungeros (cockfighters).
Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, a former employee of Ang and a whistleblower, alleged that Ang was the mastermind behind the abductions, and that Barretto was closely involved, claiming she “knows all of Mr. Atong Ang’s secrets.”
Barretto has not issued a public statement regarding the accusations and has reportedly deactivated her social media accounts.
