The Supreme Court is investigating a Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) official and a former judge accused of manipulating court cases in favor of gambling operator Charlie “Atong” Ang, who is linked to the disappearance of over two dozen sabungeros.
The probe was launched following a credible tip from the Department of Justice, with whistleblower Julie Patidongan alleging that the former judge remains protected by powerful allies.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the disappearances were part of a corporate-style criminal network tied to online cockfighting, involving organized groups and brutal executions.
Authorities are preparing to search Taal Lake for the victims’ remains, deploying underwater drones and Navy technical divers to locate possible cadavers.
The Philippine Navy and Coast Guard await a formal request from the DOJ to launch the retrieval operation.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 9, 2025
