Kin of missing sabungeros ask Atong Ang to help in investigation

The kin of the 34 missing online cockfighting or “e-sabong” enthusiasts have called on gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang to fulfill his promise and help with the investigation of the victims’ sudden disappearance.

In Dano Tingcungco’s report on “24 Oras”, the victims’ relatives recalled Ang’s promise last year following a Senate committee hearing on the missing sabungeros.

“Noon, sinabi niya samin na tutulungan kami sa kaso ng anak ko. Sabi niya ipapa-ospital pa nga niya ako...Sabi niya, yung mga taong involved dito sa kasong ito, mahuhuli,” Maria Carmelita Lasco, mother of victim Ricardo “Jonjon” Lasco, said.

Jonjon is the master agent abducted in San Pablo City, Laguna. Three cops tagged in his case are now under police custody but his family said other officials need to be held accountable for the crime.

“Labin-lima ho ang dumukot sa kapatid ko…sino-sino kaya ito? Di natin alam. Ni re-request namin ang kapulisan, sana ma-interrogate itong mga suspek na ito nang maigi para magsabi at sabihin nila ano ang naging partisipasyon,” Charlene Lasco, the victim’s sister, said.

“Kami po ay humihingi ng tulong kay Chief PNP [Rodolfo] Azurin, at tsaka kay CIDG Director [Romeo] Caramat na siyang humahawak sa aming kaso ngayon na masusing imbestigahan din 'yung naging team leader ng mga pulis na to ng mga panahon na 'yun. Baka sakaling may mahita sila dito,” he added.

Likewise, Butch Inonog, the father of victim John Claude Inonog, appealed to Ang and the guards in Manila Arena to coordinate with the probe.

“Nasaan ‘yung pinangako ninyo samin? Kami po ay nakiki-usap lang sa inyo. Baka pwede niyo kami matulungan na maihatid sa justice itong mga taong pinaghahanap at nilabasan ng warrant of arrest,” he said.

GMA Integrated News reached out to Ang’s camp for a comment but has yet to respond as of press time.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said there are arrest warrants issued against other identified perpetrators.

“Dun sa kaso ng master agent na nangyari noong August 2021 ay may inilabas na rin warrants of arrest,” said PNP Spokesperson Pcol. Jean Fajardo.

“Kasalukuyan pong nakakulong particularly ‘yung tatlong pulis na pinangalanan. Doon po sa kaso ni Michael Bautista, kung saan may viral video wherein ‘yung isang suspect na na-identify ay siya rin nasampahan ng kaso with respect doon sa Manila Arena case,” she said.

“Ang tinitingnan po natin ay ‘yung walong insidente involving 34 missing cockfighting aficionados. Maaaring isang grupo lamang ang may kinalaman dito,” she added.

Earlier, the victims’ relatives received a manifestation with submission of conformity which stated that the Fortun and Santos Law Office will give legal service to the five guards who were issued arrest warrants.

This was confirmed by lawyer Raymond Fortun but he and his partner declined to issue further comment. —Sundy Locus/NB, GMA Integrated News