Gambling addicts

The scandal over 34 missing online cockfight enthusiasts once again highlights the evils associated with gambling.

- ANA MARIE PAMINTUAN

If the accusations currently being hurled turn out to be true, e-sabong could prove as corrupting and vile as Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO). Whether the scandal will lead to meaningful reforms in gaming, however, is uncertain.

Long before one of the security guards arrested for the kidnapping of e-sabong enthusiasts began singing like a canary, speculative talk was already circulating about the alleged involvement of gambling tycoon Charlie "Atong" Ang.

Alias Totoy, who has identified himself as former security guard Julie "Dondon" Patidongan, said in TV interviews that Ang himself gave the orders to take out e-sabong aficionados linked to cheating in the cockfights—supposedly the sin of the 34 who went missing between 2021 and 2022.

Patidongan also tagged Ang's reported partner at the time, the equally controversial actress Gretchen Barretto, as complicit in the crime, through her alleged awareness of what was happening.

Yesterday, Ang maintained that "we are not criminals" and filed several complaints against Patidongan before the Mandaluyong prosecutor's office.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, however, said Ang and Barretto are now considered as suspects in the kidnapping and possible murder cases.

Ang claimed Patidongan had tried to extort P300 million from him and had asked for his financial support when the security guard ran for mayor of Borobo, Surigao last May. Patidongan, on the other hand, claimed he had turned down Ang's offer of P500 million as hush money.