(UPDATE) NATIONAL Police Commission (Napolcom) chief Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan identified businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang as the alleged “sabong boss” who attempted to interfere in the investigation of police officers linked to the disappearance of several “sabungeros,” or cockfighting enthusiasts.
Calinisan had previously disclosed in July 2025 that the Napolcom investigation into 12 active Philippine National Police (PNP) officers — accused of involvement in the high-profile disappearance of more than 100 sabungeros — had drawn attempts by powerful external parties to influence the inquiry.
According to Calinisan, two separate groups had tried to meddle: one led by a cockfighting industry figure, or a “sabong boss,” seeking to protect alleged police allies, and another tied to a local government executive attempting to shield a relative.
Calinisan described these interventions as insulting and reaffirmed that the commission would base its decisions solely on evidence and due process.
In his most recent statement, Calinisan confirmed that the “sabong boss” he had referred to was Ang, who allegedly tried to influence the investigation through a person personally close to him.
“To be honest, I felt insulted when they tried to fix this with me. Even if Atong Ang’s camp has a lot of money, they cannot buy us. Atong Ang himself made that call to someone very close to me. The question is, why does he need to expose ‘his policemen’ to me? That call says a lot. I have my own mind; they cannot manipulate me. They cannot buy me. Justice is not for sale,” Calinisan said.
He added that he was revealing this information “in the spirit of transparency,” now that the Napolcom cases against the officers have been concluded.
Despite Ang’s attempts, the Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service had filed charges of grave misconduct, conduct unbecoming of a police officer and irregularities in the performance of their duties against the officers in July 2025.
The commission recently announced the dismissal of 11 of them, while recommending the dismissal of the involved police general.
“To be clear, Napolcom, as the police of the police, will pursue and prosecute any officer who abuses their power. No one is above the law, and the trust of the people is what we protect,” Calinisan said.
Ang, who is still at large, is now facing multiple criminal cases tied to the missing sabungeros, including kidnapping with homicide, kidnapping and serious illegal detention, and is described by the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group as a “fugitive from justice” following the issuance of non-bailable arrest warrants.