TOP gambling operator Charlie “Atong” Ang is “paranoid” for claiming there are death threats against him as a result of the continuing operation of his virtual jai-alai numbers game, an official said Friday.
National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon said Ang’s paranoia was typical of people engaging in illegal activities.
“Ang’s illegal gambling, which gives no revenues to the government, is really inferior to our New Small Town Lottery which guarantees a daily and monthly revenue for the government,” said Esperon who, together with Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre III, was accused by Ang of wanting him dead.
“Is it any wonder then that Ang is making noise? He is not the one who will be killed but his illegal gambling operations.
On Saturday, Aguirre denied the accusations he was involved in a plot to kill Ang.
“I categorically deny all the allegations of Atong Ang for being complete fabrications. I am not involved in illegal gambling,” Aguirre said.
“I am not a protector of illegal gambling. The same is true of his unfounded allegation against my brother who is never involved in illegal gambling.”
Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Chairman Jose Jorge Corpuz said Friday he had no knowledge of any plan to have Ang killed as a competitor of the Small Town Lottery.
But Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said Friday he wanted the Senate to investigate Ang’s claims.
He said he would file a resolution when Congress resumes sessions next week for the Senate to look into Ang’s allegations.
“Atong Ang’s highly controversial statements warrant a Senate investigation. I will file a resolution in that regard once session resumes next week,” Trillanes said.
Ang came out in the open on Thursday to expose the alleged threat of two high-ranking officials to eliminate him as they take control of Small Town Lottery operations in certain provinces in the North and South.
Ang, who operates the virtual jai-alai numbers game through Meridien Vista Gaming Corp. based in the Cagayan Freeport, earlier appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to save him from Aguirre, Esperon and some members of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1982 who allegedly were working to control the Small Town Lottery operations in the South.
Ang likewise mentioned a certain “Corpuz,” referring to PCSO Chairman Corpuz and a certain “Uyami,” a member of PMA Class 1982 who were working against him.
“Let me categorically deny that I have ever threatened him. He should show evidence or witnesses that I want to see him dead. It is very likely that he is concocting tall tales again,” Esperon said.
“Mr. Ang is a known gambling lord operating jueteng through his illegal off-fronton shops. He hardly pays taxes and fees. He is into so much illegal activities.” With Joel E. Zurbano and Macon Ramos-Araneta
